Kansas Masonic Foundation
The Kansas Masonic Foundation has selected the state winners of its annual scholarships. Winning students who applied for these scholarships through the Salina Lodge #60 and Minneapolis Lodge #143 were recognized at a dinner and certificate ceremony at the Salina Lodge on Monday, July 6th.
Byron Erickson, Secretary/Treasurer of Salina Lodge # 60, told the students and their family members that the Kansas Masonic Foundation has invested more than $60 million in Kansas individuals and communities. This funding focuses on academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors, such as scholarships, local community grants, emergency financial assistance, and matching funds. The Kansas Masonic Foundation started awarding collegiate scholarships in the early 1970s. Before this, the organization also distributed awards through its long-standing statewide high school essay contest, which has been active for roughly 60 years. KMF provides an average of $200,000 in scholarships each year. This year, $ 205,000 was awarded.”
Jim Kay, Past Master of Minneapolis Lodge #143, introduced Annicka Hernandez, daughter of Nick and Andrea Hernandez. She earned her pre-pharmaceutical studies certificate while at Fort Hays State University. While at Ft. Hays, she was involved with the Chemistry Club, the Pre-Health Club, and the Biology Club. She is now a third-year student in the pharmacy school at the University of Kansas. She recently returned from a KU-sponsored medical mission trip to Kenya, where the students got first-hand experience with the local population. At KU, she is involved as Vice President of the Student Society of Health Systems Pharmacy and a member of Phi Lambda Sigma (pharmacy leadership society). She also works at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital where she assists hospital staff with medication-related questions and helps explain medications to patients.
Several members of her family (including her mother, grandmother, great-grandfather, great-grandmother, and brothers) attended the ceremony. One of her brothers, Alexander, was awarded a KMF scholarship from Bernard Lodge #222 in Dodge City. Alexander was a standout cadet in the Dodge City Public Schools JROTC program. He and his team, the Air Force JROTC Academic Team, spent significant time preparing for and competing in multi-level academic bowls that tested students on standard high school curriculum concepts (such as the ACT and SAT) alongside formal leadership principles. The team finished in the top 1% in the Nation at the prestigious JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB). Due to his national JROTC success, he was formally recognized for his accomplishments by the USD 443 Board of Members and Superintendent. Alexander competed for the track and field team. He plans to attend Dodge City Community College.
Other students who applied for and were awarded scholarships through the Minneapolis Lodge but were unable to attend the ceremony included Alyssa Wolf, Olivia Hodges, and Viola Isaacson.
Russ Kontas, Master of Salina Lodge #60, introduced the Salina area scholarship winners: Evan Dickson, Anna Hogeland, and Brenden Kirby. Although unable to attend the ceremony, Mayci Ingram was also recognized.
At Salina South High School, Evan Dickson, son of Andrew and Vanessa Dickson, was active in choir, National Honor Society, and theatre. The theatre group performed “Sense and Sensibility,” “Dreamland,” and “Clue,” where he portrayed Colonel Mustard. In college, he is involved with Alpha Chi Sigma (Master of Ceremonies) and the McNair Scholar Summer Internship. He is the Cadence Acapella President. He enjoys singing, board games, and cooking. He plans to get a PhD in biochemistry.
Anna Hogeland, daughter of Scott and Ellen Hogeland, participated in volleyball, track and field, and the marching band while she was at Salina Central High School. She also competed in and coached gymnastics. In college, she has been a student leader in Christian Challenge (a campus ministry at K-State). She is also active in the student chapter of ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) and has been a peer educator in the College of APDesign. She enjoys scrapbooking, drawing, and painting. She also experiments with new methods of brewing coffee.
Brenden Kirby, son of Shawn and Sara Kirby, was active in FFA (Future Farmers of America). He was the center on the Solomon High School football team and a student coach for the basketball team. He enjoys hunting and fishing. He did an internship at shootNstuff where he learned taxidermy. He plans to major in Wildlife Management at Pratt Community College. He enjoys cooking.
Freemasonry has over one million members in the U.S.A. The Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to expand Masonic philanthropy in the fields of charitable, educational, and scientific programs.
There are 170 Masonic Lodges throughout Kansas. Each of these lodges provides philanthropic support within their communities. Salina Lodge #60 was chartered in 1869 and has about 200 members.
In December of 2025, the Minneapolis Lodge consolidated with the Salina Lodge. Working with KMF, KU, and Tammy Walker, Salina Lodge #60 will sponsor a Free Cancer Screening at the Tammy Walker Center on October 10th and October 17th.