WABASH, Ind. – It was a weekend of awards at the Wabash Elks Lodge No.471, as retiring Exalted Ruler Keith Walters made several presentations in his last official act of office.
On Friday, Walters presented David Perry with the Elk of the Year award. Perry has been an active volunteer in the Lodge’s bingo room since joining the organization.
Also on Friday, Cathy Walters was named the Officer of the Year.
Walters’ wife, she has served as Lodge Tiler the last two years, and has been very active in all the Lodge activities.
On Saturday, Calvin Conlee, a member of the Lodge’s Boy Scout Troop, was named Wabash Elks Citizen of the Year.
Conlee received the award following a ceremony at which he received the rank of Eagle Scout.
In another award presentation on Friday, Northfield High School student Brenton Yarger was named an honorary Elk.
Brenton is the epitome of two of the Elks’ major principles, charity and brotherly love, Past Exalted Ruler Joseph Slacian said in presenting the award. In the past seven years, Brenton has raised more than $40,000 for the local Shop With a Cop program.
The honorary membership expires in December 2023 when Brenton will turn 21 and be eligible for Elks membership.
The Lodge also honored Brenton’s grandparents, David and Brenda Jackson, for their efforts in encouraging Brenton over the last seven years.
Finally, incoming Exalted Ruler Wade Weaver presented Walters a plaque honoring him for his two years as exalted ruler.
