By Cameron M., Grand Choir Director and Representative to OH/PA
Over the summer, I was lucky enough to get to travel to Pennsylvania for their Grand Assembly in Altoona. It was held at the Jaffa Shrine Center from July 10th through the 14th.
The theme for this year’s Grand Assembly was “Dare to Know.” The assembly room was decorated with Mary Poppins themed decorations, such as a carousel, umbrellas, and a penguin cardboard cutout. The Grand Worthy Advisor Miss Nikki Roland’s service project was to raise money for the Autism Society of America.
Since Pennsylvania was the first state I traveled to as a representative, it was the first time I had to give a speech in the Grand East which was both nerve-wracking and exciting! However, once I was done, I felt proud knowing I had done my best to represent my state well.
After sessions were over, there was a dance party held downstairs. I was called onto the dance floor midway through eating my pizza to dance with some of the Grand Officers! Although I’ll admit my dance moves while in my hoop skirt were not the best, I had fun dancing the night away and chatting with my new friends.
One of the stops we made while in Pennsylvania was at the Fred Rogers Center in Westmoreland County. I remember watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on PBS when I was little, and it touched my heart to learn more about the life of this amazing man.
My experience in Pennsylvania was an overwhelmingly positive one. It was great getting to learn more about one of my jurisdictions and make friends with girls I might not have the chance to meet otherwise!
