News Briefs
Benedetti Installed as State Master Councilor at Conclave 2009
CARROLLTON, GA - At the annual Conclave of the Associated DeMolay Chapters of Georgia, held the weekend of
July 23-26 on the campus of the University of West Georgia, Michael Benedetti of Peachtree City Chapter was
installed as the Georgia State
Master Councilor. He will lead the state association, made up of fifteen chapters and over 250 active members,
for the next twelve months. Benedetti's plans for the upcoming year include a focus on membership, communication,
and brotherhood. The membership plan continues from last year and is called More DeMolays in More Places and focuses
on initiating more new members, instituting more new chapters, and increasing attendance at DeMolay events statewide.
During his incoming address to Conclave attendees on Sunday morning, Benedetti said, "We must remember the member;
we must call guys who haven't been showing up, ask them how they are doing, see what has been keeping them from
coming to DeMolay functions. They are members because they are friends and brothers in our Order.... We are
brothers, and I ask that Georgia DeMolay reaches out to each other all over the state and helps one another
with what ever they can. This bond that we build in DeMolay is unbreakable. We are one." Benedetti's theme for
his term is All For One and One For All, a nod to the Three Musketeers. His fun icon is Superman.
Todd A. Stovall of Mountain Park Chapter concluded his term as State Master Councilor and was honored as the DeMolay
of the Year at Saturday evening's Grand Banquet for his work in that station. During his term, Stovall continued
the tradition of positive membership growth measured from Conclave to Conclave with 54 new members for a net growth
of 15. This marks the third consecutive year Georgia DeMolay has reached positive membership growth.
Also during the Conclave weekend, Becky Palm of Mountain Park Chapter was named the new State Sweetheart
and was crowned. Dad Edward Roden of Don R. Roberts Chapter was inducted into the Guild of the Leather
Apron as Georgia DeMolay's 2009 Advisor of the Year. Peachtree City Chapter received the Gold Chapter of
Excellence Award and was also named Chapter of the Year.
The 2008-2009 State Officers awarded Middle Georgia Chapter the Most Improved Chapter Award. Additionally,
Middle Georgia, Samuel S. Lawrence, and Mountain Park Chapters received Silver Chapter of Excellence Awards.
The coveted Spirit Can, awarded for the chapter with the most enthusiasm and excitement, was given to
Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter. Middle Georgia's Parents Club was awarded First Place in the Scrapbook competition.
Middle Georgia also took home the Traveling Gavel, given to the chapter with the highest percentage of its
membership attending, while Clayton Chapter retained the Gold Brick, given to the chapter who registered last for
Conclave.
On Friday evening of Conclave, several individuals were recognized for their outstanding service to DeMolay.
Chevalier, the highest honor bestowed on an active DeMolay, was given to Michael and Christopher Benedetti of
Peachtree City Chapter. Dad Gary Vinson, Sr., of Cecil Cheves Chapter and Dad Bill Lewis of Peachtree City
Chapter were awarded the Cross of Honor, the highest honor given to a DeMolay Advisor. Dad Dana Schwarz of
Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter was elevated to Active Membership in the International Supreme Council.
Numerous individuals also received the Legion of Honor, the highest honor in DeMolay. Those receiving the Legion
of Honor were: C.E. "Buster" Horne of Peachtree City Chapter, Hugh S. D'Anna, III of Cecil Cheves Chapter,
John Wesley McPipkin of Cecil Cheves Chapter, and Samuel Roy Whitfield.
State Master Councilor Mike Benedetti with outgoing SMC Todd Stovall.
Becky Palm is crowned State Sweetheart by outgoing Sweetheart Lisa Pitchford.
Mike and Chris Benedetti take the Chevalier vow.
Published: 31 July 2009
Article Credit: Jonathan Challen
Article Contributor: Skip Mason
Photo Credit: Kim May, Richard Eells, Jonathan Challen
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