Winning a Local Scholarship - Bailee Brown (4 Pts)

On September 14, 2025, I received a call from an unknown number informing me that I’d just won a 1000 scholarship from the MW Cornerstone Grand Lodge and Phoenix Grand Chapter organization. They recognized me as a student who committed her time and effort to her studies and spent hours dedicated to being a public servant. 

The MW Cornerstone Grand Lodge and Phoenix Grand Chapter organization scholarship is awarded annually to individuals who have graduated from high school and plan to pursue higher education. As a community, Houstonians, who are part of these organizations, spend countless hours helping to fundraising. Their commitment to educating the youth has been around for nearly seven years. Their mission is to help grow the minds of black students around Houston and help contribute to their success. 

I was honored to be invited to the scholarship banquet, which occurred over fall break. I was immediately greeted with kind smiles and congratulations. Equally, I was exposed to the traditions of the Masons and the Order of the Eastern Star. The ladies of the Eastern Star were inviting, encouraging me to partake in line dances and even become a member of their sorority. I began to realize that this scholarship opportunity was not only financial assistance. However, it is a form of love through community. To me, it represented how others believed in me when, at times, I wasn't sure that I believed in myself. The scholarship was an overwhelming contribution to my education and career path.  

Receiving this scholarship allowed me to gain clarity on my career path. It allowed me to take a step back and be grateful for those who believe in me without knowing me. This scholarship award inspires me to continue to be a public servant and further my education. I am forever grateful to the Masons and Order of the Eastern Star for granting me not only their money, but their time. I will continue to further my education to one day be able to spread the goodwill that was once given to me. 

Bailee Brown