Providing student aid helps students and their families by covering higher education expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, and transportation. For the members of District 19, Norris Wright Cuney Grand Chapter (Order of the Eastern Star), providing student aid is one of the many forms of charity they provide to the local community.
One such recipient was Jalecia Hartfield, a 2023 graduate of Judson Early College Academy who was presented with a $1,000 scholarship from District 19 at the Masonic Temple located on Rice Road. She will be attending the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology.
“I greatly appreciate each and every person associated with the Eastern Stars,” said Hartfield, who received a total of $946,432 in scholarships. “Their dedication to helping others has come to fruition and truly means the world to me.”
with a $1,000 scholarship from District 19, Norris Wright Cuney Grand Chapter (Order of the
Eastern Star) at the Masonic Temple located on Rice Road. (Photo by Bro. Burrell Parmer)
Hartfield, who’s on the praise team of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, was an active member of the student council where she helped plan cultural appreciation events and spread knowledge about different cultures. Additionally, she was an active member of the National Honor Society and Key Club.
“This grant will be extremely helpful with dorm costs,” said Hartfield, who plans on becoming a licensed psychologist. “I will be living on-campus and there are a lot of things needed for that transition. This grant will help me buy all my dorm essentials. Thanks to the Eastern Stars for investing in me and my future.”
Presenting the check was District Deputy Grand Matron JoAnn Storey and Past District Deputy Grand Matron-Emeritus Loretta Bankston.
According to Storey, scholarships provide an opportunity for young adults to earn an education which helps them have more time to focus on their studies.
San Antonio is home to four Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA) Order of the Eastern Star Chapters: Christopher Delight Chapter No. 1, Stars of Texas Chapter No. 2, Cubie Horton Chapter No. 14, and Gernell Smart Elite Chapter No. 79.
The Order of the Eastern Star is an adoptive rite of Freemasonry with teachings based on the Bible and objectives that are charitable and benevolent.
