On April 1, 2024, in San Francisco, we honored ‘Dad’ Terry Peters for his remarkable service as Grand Master of DeMolay International. With over 250 attendees, including Active DeMolays, Advisors, and Guests, the event showcased our organization’s growth through the initiation of five new Active DeMolays and twenty Honorary DeMolays. Hosted by Nick Bonnin and jurisdiction officers, ‘Dad’ and ‘Mom’ Peters were warmly welcomed during the reception, where dignitaries paid tribute to ‘Dad’ Peters’ service. The evening featured special performances and heartfelt reflections, emphasizing ‘Dad’ Peters’ enduring legacy and DeMolay’s values, leaving us filled with pride and optimism for the future.
The first time I walked into Santa Clara Chapter, I was a shy and reserved 11-year-old. But I was warmly welcomed, dealt into games, and amazed by the free soda fridge – an eleven-year-old’s dream. Pretty soon, I was coming back for the board games and the people who became my family. I progressed through leadership roles, from Junior Councilor to Master Councilor of my chapter. DeMolay became a refuge during COVID-19, allowing me to make an impact. I grew tremendously as a leader, from a Divisional Representative to the Jurisdictional Master Councilor. Now, I’m running for International Master Councilor. DeMolay transformed me from a shy kid into a confident leader, and I’ve had a blast every step of the way!