Uncovering Lecturer

By: Jordan M., GEC, Grand Lecturer and Representative to MS/AR/LA, Rose

Hi California Rainbow! This is Jordan M., your 2022 Grand Lecturer and Representative to Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. I feel so incredibly honored and lucky to have been entrusted with this office, and I hope to make you all proud!

A little bit about me. I’m a born and raised Northern Californian; I live part-time with my beautiful mom in Elk Grove and part-time with my amazing dad and stepmom in Tracy. I have three dogs and a cat, Honey, who is totally my favorite – don’t tell the dogs! In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to alt-rock, playing Legend of Zelda, and watching commentary YouTubers. I’m from Rose Assembly, and I want to wholeheartedly thank the inimitable Rose girls and adults who have supported me all these years and made me into the girl I am today. Without you, I would probably still be a shy and antisocial bookworm trying to live vicariously through fantasy novels instead of experiencing real life to the fullest. (Well, sometimes that last one still applies, but much less nowadays.) You mean the world to me and I love you from the bottom of my heart!

I currently live in Berkeley, where I’m a sophomore majoring in Classics (Greco-Roman history) and Political Science and minoring in Anthropology (Go Bears!). I work at the scheduling office on campus while volunteering at the University food bank, writing for the Berkeley Political Review, and serving on a panelist for student conduct cases. I am certain that without the confidence and work ethic Rainbow has given me, I would never have had the guts or ability to reach for my academic and professional goals the way that I have in the last two years. I’m also a huge Francophile; I’m working on my French fluency and am studying at the Paris Institute of Political Studies in the fall of 2021. I am, however, probably an even bigger philhellene. I love studying everything ancient and Greek and am currently learning Attic Greek so that I can read the ancient texts in their original glory. I plan on attending the archaeological field school in Nemea, Greece in the summer of 2022, an absolute dream come true for this Percy Jackson nerd-turned Greek academic. After this trip, I’ll try to decide whether I want to pursue a career in classical archaeology or international relations. I like to think that by studying the ancient world I’m learning what molded our global culture and set its foundations, and by studying political science I’m learning how our global culture functions today. I’m slowly putting it all together into a worldview, and I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned with you this year!

I could not be more excited to have been given the office of Lecturer specifically, because I am a person who lives for words. I live in eternal gratefulness for them, for without them I would know nothing of the past or present, nor would anyone know anything of me. I try to do them justice with eloquence in speaking and especially in writing – with my (very amateur) poetry, articles, and essays (so many essays) – and plan to bring this dedication to every word of every speech that I give to you. In doing so I hope that I can help, in my own way, to make this a truly milestone-making year!

By: Makena M., Grand Faith & Representative to Australia and the Orient Pacific, Oak Summit

Hey y’all! My name is Makena M., Kena to family and friends, California’s new Grand Faith and Representative to Australia and the Orient Pacific. I am from Oak Summit Assembly, also known as one of the smallest Masonic lodges to California Rainbow! Though it is small, much love comes pouring out of it. I have been in Rainbow for seven years. I was initiated at Grand Assembly in 2014 when I was 11. My mom, grandma, great-grandma, grandpa and great-grandpa, along with lots of aunts, uncles and family were and are involved in Rainbow, DeMolay and Masons, so you could say I come from a very Masonic family. I have served almost all offices within my assembly, including Religion, Nature, Fidelity, Patriotism, Service, Confidential Observer, Recorder, the line, and Worthy Advisor three times! As well as Drill leader and Chaplin. Most people who know me know that my family is very patriotic and that one of my favorite offices is Patriotism because of my undying love for my country and flag. If I was ever given the chance to give an American flag tribute within my area, you already knew I was on it. I got the amazing opportunity to serve as one of California’s Grand Marshals in 2019. The Vivacious Vans and I enjoyed every minute in the best Marshal dresses of all time. You probably know them as the retro rainbow ruffles of the 2019 Winter Solstice Grand Assembly in Ontario California. I also received my Grand Cross of Color at Grand Assembly 2019.

I have three siblings, two sisters and one brother. I live on a 2300 acre cattle ranch with my three dogs, two cats, two horses and six chickens, and of course the rest of my family. Some of my hobbies consist of going on ranger rides outback, taking pictures, blasting classic rock and country music, and spending some quality time in the nature that surrounds me. Those who know me have gotten used to calling me an “Old Soul” because of my dislike of technology and phones, I’d rather be rolling around in the grass, working, getting my hands dirty, endlessly talking about how I wish I was born in the 60s, rather than sitting around scrolling through social media. I love food even though I can’t cook a thing. I am the biggest fan of mama’s cookin’ or any home-cooked meal, I will eat everything and anything. I’m not picky at all, I believe if it’s food, eat it, you just might love it, which most of the time, I do. I can’t think of any type of food I actually dislike.

I am 18 years old and a senior at Oakdale High School. I have been playing golf for 11 years. I originally started playing with my grandparents when I was seven years old and I have truly grown to love and appreciate the sport. I have been involved in many matches and tournaments, the most recent one being the Cornina Green Tournament in 2020, winning second place. I have been in summer camps and academies to enhance my skills. I am now a part of the Girls High School Golf Team and have been for the last three years. I am very sad to say that my last season is over.

I am so beyond excited for this upcoming year and travels with my fellow Meerkats in Rainbow’s centennial year of 2022. And I think we are ready to make some milestones! How about you?

By: Rosemarie K., GEC, California Flag Bearer, Circulation Manager & Representative to Michigan, Lemon Grove

Hi everyone! My name is Rosemarie K. and I’m your new member of the Grand Executive Committee, CA Flag Bearer, Circulation Manager, and Representative to Michigan. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA and have been involved with Lemon Grove Assembly for around 11 years now. I was introduced to Rainbow when I joined the Lemon Grove Pledge group at just eight years old. I quickly fell in love with the group and even had the honor of becoming their first Pledge Sister. I joined Rainbow only one month after my 11th birthday and am so grateful for all the incredible memories I’ve made with my assembly and the opportunities that Rainbow has given me. Thanks to my assembly’s unconditional support, I’ve been able to serve as their Worthy Advisor twice, serve on the State PR Team for three years in a row, participate in Grand Choir, be an Observer Helper, and serve as the Grand Page for Decorations at Grand Assembly 2021. 

Outside of Rainbow, I’ve always been equally as passionate about being involved in my school. In high school, I was actively involved in several clubs including GSA, ASB, the school news, and even Color Guard. This past fall, I started college at San Diego State University where I’m pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts Performance and actively involved in my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta.

After graduation, I’m hoping to find a career as a performer in a traveling theater company to combine my love for acting with my love for traveling. However, I’d also love to become a high school drama teacher to share my passion for theater with other young performers. Wherever my life takes me, I know I’m prepared thanks to my time in Rainbow. I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities Rainbow has provided for me these past few years, including now being able to serve as a Grand Officer alongside my Milestone Making Meerkat family. I cannot wait to make some milestones this year and see you all at our centennial Grand Assembly in 2022!

Investigating a Golden Girl

By: Zoee S., Assistant Grand Editor, Eden

Good day California Rainbow, [Hat Tip].

My name is Jonas Watcher a friendly neighborhood private investigator. I’m here to tell you about a girl named Zoee S., the Assistant Grand Editor for the Milestone Making Meerkats of 2022. She recently became a witness in one of my ongoing investigations. The reason for the investigation is Grand Assembly 2021. My telephone has been ringing all week from people wanting to know more about this mysterious lady. 

Here’s what I found out from the start of my investigations: She was born March 7th, 2002 in Walnut Creek California. She started as a small girl with the biggest ambitions. She grew up in a small area called Castro Valley, a place too big to be called a town and too small to be called a city. Her life was filled with smiles and lots of friends and family. When she turned 11 her world was flipped around. She was initiated into an amazing organization, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and throughout her Rainbow career, she has received many achievements, including the Assistant Grand Editors Award, there’s irony in that one. I found out from an eyewitness report, her Mother Advisor, that she was a Worthy Advisor for her assembly over seven times! Upon further investigation, I discovered her assembly was on the smaller side but they kept their heads held high as they were a small but mighty assembly. 

Continuing with my investigations I found out she wanted to be a Forensic Scientist. A passion that first started as wanting to become a police officer and do crime scene investigation. She is now a student at San Jose State University, studying Forensic Science with a focus in Chemistry, and from the look of these charts, it’s a lot of work. Despite her never-ending schedule she still finds time to talk with her friends online. She plays a lot of video games and is always up to date on anything Marvel-related. There’s overwhelming evidence that she’s quite the nerd, Marvel©, DC©, Doctor Who©, Supernatural©, Harry Potter©, anime, you name it she has probably geeked out over it. She also has a passion for listening to music and is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)

Examining all this evidence was tiring work but worth it if it means you got to know a bit about Zoee. I can tell she is looking forward to this Milestone Making year and meeting more people along her Grand Officer journey. P.S. if you ever see her in person don’t be afraid to approach her she’s really friendly.

End Report,

Jonas Watcher

Dancing Through the Pages of the POG

By: Abigail F., Grand Editor

Hello California Rainbow! My name is Abigail F. and I am the Grand Editor for the 2022 Milestone Making Meerkats. I am so excited for this year! Being selected for this office has had me reflecting back on my life and how I was able to get here. I was initiated into Livermore Assembly in November of 2017. I joined because I had heard my mom talking about her time in Rainbow and about her wild adventures as a Grand Officer. I wanted to see what all the excitement was about, so I decided to join. Never in a million years did I think that I would be where I am today. I always liked the message of Rainbow and enjoyed the lessons behind it. It wasn’t until my first Grand Assembly in 2018 when I finally got to see all of the magical craziness that is Rainbow, did I fully understand what it was all about.  After that, I was hooked. I became Worthy Advisor in February of 2019 and was able to be Grand Page to the Grand Directors for the years 2020 and 2021. Although I have only been in Rainbow for a short period of time, I still feel like it has taught me a lot.

Growing up I have always had a passion for performing. It all started when I was two years old and my mom bribed me through potty training with the promise of a dance class. I did dance for 15 years at a studio and spent ten of those years competing. I started with the classics, ballet and tap, and later added on other styles such as jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and even hip hop. However even as the years went on I have still been drawn back to the classics. As I was getting older I found myself wanting to try other avenues of performing. In middle school, I started getting more involved by playing flute in the band. I was able to continue to perform while making new friends who shared similar interests as me. I kept on playing through high school and was in the advanced band for three years. However, in high school, most of my time was spent with the color guard. I was able to combine my favorite form of expression with my favorite group of people while tossing flags, rifles, and sabers. I got so involved that I was captain all four years of high school. In college, it has become harder for me to express that side of myself but I still have a strong passion for music. In Rainbow, I have found a new way for me to perform by practicing ritual, and writing speeches. I have found a voice in Rainbow that I can use to express my thoughts and feelings that I could only previously do through other means of performance. The voice that Rainbow has given me allows me to verbalize these ideas. 

Another major facet of my personality is that I love to travel. I have always loved going to new places and meeting new people. I found some of my favorite memories in car rides or walking around a new city. There is too much to see and do in the world for one to stay stationary. Screaming along to the radio with my family on a long drive to a campsite, walking around an airport and people watching, experiencing new cultures and environments; these are the best parts of life. Some of my favorite places that I have been to so far have been Chicago, Seattle, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. They have all been so different and I learned so much from each trip. I firmly believe that traveling is the most important thing that anyone can do. It forces you out of your comfort zone, educates you about the world around you, and allows you to gain a new perspective. 

My educational accomplishments include graduating from Tracy High School in 2018 with a diploma from the Agricultural and Sciences Academy as well as a certificate from the Performing Arts Magnet. I then chose to begin my higher education at Las Positas College where I received an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Mathematics and Science. I will now be continuing my education at the University of Nevada, Reno where I will be studying nature and the environment. I have always had a strong love for nature and a drive to do right by it. I remember yelling at my classmates in Elementary School to recycle and preserve resources because the Amazon was dying, I had no idea what I was talking about, but I knew that it was important. I do not yet know exactly what my major will be, but I do know that I want to spend my life bettering the world around me and making sure that it is a cleaner, healthier, and happier place for generations to come.

In Rainbow, I have found a colorful combination of all the things that I believe in. Rainbow has given me the opportunity to travel and meet people who I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I have learned a new way to express myself and have been given the ability to not only write about things that I care about but also speak about them as well. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a beautiful organization that is doing important things by giving young women the power to change the world and I am proud to be a part of it. I am so excited to work with my fellow meerkats to make this year great. I hope to see you all at our centennial 2022 Grand Assembly!!

By: Katie S., Grand Worthy Advisor

Greetings California Rainbow! Many people have been asking me, “Where exactly is Visalia?” It is easiest to explain that it is between Fresno and Bakersfield on Highway 99, but I just know it as home. By now I am sure you have heard me talk about my pride in Visalia. My experiences growing up in Visalia Assembly provided opportunities for me to develop a better understanding of service and sisterhood. While in Rainbow, I have had the opportunity to be on the Membership Team, State Service Court, Public Relations Team, Leadership Team, and was a part of the Youth Supreme Training and Development Team. Now, I am a proud Milestone Making Meerkat! 

Since I was six, I have enjoyed swimming competitively. From swimming at my local swim club, four-year varsity swimmer in high school, and now at College of the Sequoias, I can proudly say I have chlorine in my blood. My all-time favorite swim memories have to be the time when I qualified for a swim meet in Seattle and Texas! While in High School, I held WYL Champion titles all four years, competed at Valley, and even got to swim at the CIF State Championship with my relay. And when I’m not competing… I’m still in the water. The ocean, lake, river, swimming pool, if there is water count me in. I’m your girl! Needless to say, the water is my happy place. 

Because of Rainbow and swim, I’ve had the opportunity to experience so many new places while discovering my passion for travel. The best vacations are when the destination includes visiting new places, trying new and different foods, and being adventurous. One vacation that sticks out to me was in Hawaii. We canoed upstream for two miles, hiked for another mile, and then Emily and I were able to swim under a waterfall. Way cool! Even though I love to travel to new places, my all-time favorite place to be is Disneyland©. I love the food, the rides, and most of all the feeling you get when you are there. It truly is my “happy place”. If you can’t find me on the rides, try Mainstreet USA or Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney, because I’m an ice cream connoisseur, you’ll be sure to find me there! When I’m not getting to travel, one of my favorite activities at home to do with my sister, Emily, is Carpool Karaoke. Highschool Musical is our main act, but don’t be surprised if Hannah Montana makes an appearance! I love to sing but just know I am not “the” singer! Emily has those genes! 

I am beyond excited to travel this year. I can’t wait to visit new places, try new foods with Mr. Regier (and Mrs. Regier too), and expand our Carpool Karaoke band! I can’t wait to see all of the great things California Rainbow has been doing and most of all I can’t wait to travel with the Milestone Making Meerkats and meet all the girls throughout California. To quote one of my favorite songs, “Together, together, come on let’s have some fun!” Let’s make 100 milestones to celebrate 100 years of service and leadership and show the world what California Rainbow is all about.