Moose Lodge Hosts Youth Congress

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 10, 2008

VALRICO - Fifty-two high school students from across the country who spent part of fall teaching youngsters life lessons converged on Tampa from May 1-5 to share their teaching methods and compete for college scholarships.

As part of the International Youth Congress, sponsored by Moose International, the Brandon Family Moose Lodge hosted a dinner and a sock hop for the students Sunday. The events were followed by an announcement that three of the students would return home with money for college.

Arthur Plowden, 17, of Orlando, took first place and won $7,000 for his presentation on why students should stay in school. He created a telephone booth and used a Thomas Edison theme - with a light bulb representing a bright idea - to drive his point home.

Kelly Pierce, 18, of Pennsylvania, took second place, receiving $3,000. She focused on fire prevention and safety for students with special needs. Chelsea Kowallis, 17, of Alaska, representing Alaska and Hawaii for the Moose lodges, took third place and won $2,000 with a presentation on nutrition and dental health.

The students listened as each took turns talking about their presentations, then voted on the winners.

Every student participating was treated to extra fun during their stay.

In addition to the dinner and sock hop, students were treated to dinner and a dance at the Zephyrhills Moose Lodge and spent a day at Busch Gardens. All expenses were paid by the Florida Bermuda Moose Association.

"It's been great right from the beginning," said Bill Miller of Pennsylvania. "We had to compete at the state level to get here and then came here to share our presentations."

Miller, 18, said his presentation to kindergartners and first-graders was about problem-solving.

"I taught them that you don't wait until things get out of hand to solve a problem, like getting behind on your homework," he said.

"I did my presentation on bullying," said Amy Manary of Nebraska. "I shared stories with third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, and they shared some with me. The fifth-graders were really good about it."

Jennifer Smith of Canada taught students in kindergarten through second grade the difference between good manners and bad, and Rebecca Page of New Hampshire talked to students in kindergarten and first grade about how germs spread and the importance of hand washing.

"We've had students use sports themes, fishing themes, do skits, you name it," said Lois Myers, administrative assistant at the Brandon Family Moose Lodge. "They're required to do at least three presentations to students between November and February to participate for the scholarship money, and most do a lot more."

Next year, Myers said, Moose International will give $15,000 to the first-place winner and award five students.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 657-4532 or yhammett@tampatrib.com.