News Release
The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $12,000 to the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Literacy Institute, an organization that provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need.
Chartered in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world.
The lodge has 60 members and supports various local organizations and programs, including the Community Assistance Center, the Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Kansas Masonic High School Essay Contest.
Over the last eight years, the lodge has provided over $30,000 in scholarships to students attending technical and four-year university programs and was able to donate $20,000 to the Fort Hays State University Virtual Literacy Institute.
“One of the earliest lessons a Mason learns is to be a supporter and a student of the liberal arts and sciences. So, in our hearts, it was an easy decision to partner with Dr. Miller in 2021, as we wanted to give her the resources she needed to create this Institute,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Christopher Neeley. “Over the last two years, we have watched as Sarah held family literacy nights and pulled the expertise and resources needed to make the Institute a success."
"When we help serve food at her events, and the room is full of members of our community, it is abundantly clear that what she is doing works. Her contagious enthusiasm and work ethic combined with this science-based approach to literacy and language will make the FHSU Literacy Institute the envy of Kansas Universities.”
This year, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $12,000 to FHSU Literacy Institute.
The program rejects some of the traditionally accepted methods and incorporates more modern instruction based upon experimentally proven methods within the science of reading practices.
The program provides free language and literacy services both online and in person to people from birth to adulthood, supporting English language learners and those who are not proficient readers.
This year’s funds donated will be used to cover the cost of the Reading Horizons software needed to offer language and literacy tutoring services online.
A formal donation announcement was made on May 5, at the Hays Masonic Building.