By Anna Skinner
The Carmel Chapter of DeMolay was reinstated three years ago, adding to approximately 20 other chapters across the nation. Recently, the Carmel group won 17 medals in Indiana’s DeMolay Conclave, a three-day competition in Huntington, Ind. The group placed second overall.
“We are a fraternity youth organization for young men ages 12 to 21, and we focus on leadership, scholastics, activity and development,” Chapter Advisor Eric Blake said. “Like community service, that type of activity (is what we engage in) for the development of young men. We have all types of young men join us. The annual statewide meeting is where all 20 chapters get together and compete in a variety of different areas.”
Competition areas include speech, athletic events, leadership and development courses and more. The Carmel DeMolays brought only five men from its group, whereas most organizations bring 10 to 15.
“They really performed at a high level that really speaks to the well-roundedness of the five men who attended the statewide meeting,” Blake said.
The five men who attended the competition were Joe Blake, Mason Marshall, Jacob Monninger, Luke Schofield and Garrett Rose. Chapter Sweetheart Marissa Marshall also attended.
Rose received special recognition. A recent Carmel High School graduate who will attend Indiana University in the fall, he received the Grant-Hamill Foundation Scholarship and the Murat Shrine’s DeMolay Unit Scholarship.
Joe Blake, Eric’s son, brought home nine medals from the event, including State Athlete of the Year. Joe is a junior at CHS and a member of the track team.
Eric said all kinds of men are accepted into the group.
“We don’t discriminate over an opportunity for young men to become better young men and create leadership in the community,” Eric said.
The DeMolays meet at the Carmel Masonic Lodge twice a month. For more, visit the Carmel DeMolay Facebook page.
