For the second time in the past eight months, Bro. Branden Glass of Lorraine Chapter has earned a championship title in Region II. He was named the Junior Division Champion in the first annual DeMolay Region II Public Speaking Competition, in a contest held on Saturday, April 26, at Kena Shrine Center in Fairfax, Virginia. Branden will be attending the DeMolay International Annual Session in Anaheim, California (home of Disneyland) to compete in the National DeMolay Public Speaking Competition on June 17, 2008.

Speaking extemporaneously with minimal notecards, Bro. Branden "wowed" the judges with his presentation on "What is Right with America!" At age 14, he showed amazing command of historical details, and developed his theme with logic and ease. The judges offered some constructive criticism of his performance which he can use to improve his abilities and also his chance of winning the national competition..

In September, Branden won the Open Level Ceremony of Light Competition at the Mid- Atlantic Tournament of Champions in Delaware, and he hopes to compete in the Championship Level Competition this September when MATOC comes to Harrisburg, PA.

The Region II Public Speaking Competition was organized by "Dad" Kurt Hamrock, Executive Officer in Washington, DC. The winners were announced by "Dad" Patton R. Hart, Grand Master of DeMolay, who drove in from Kentucky just to see this event; which he designed. "Dad" Hart posed for a photo with the competitors (top, right.)

Branden earned a $500 prize for winning at the Regional level, and will now be eligible to compete for an additional $1,250 first prize or $750 second prize at the national level.

Also competing this year was Bro. Jeff Bortz, in the Senior Division. Attending in support of both competitors was Jacob D. Palo, State Master Councilor, "Dad" Thomas R. Labagh, Executive Officer; "Mom" Joan and "Dad" Jim Ray, co-chairs of the PA DeMolay Public Speaking Competitions, "Dad" Keith Bortz, Sr., and "Mom" Gayle and "Dad" Brian Glass, of Lorraine Chapter.

Congratulations Branden and best of luck in the national competition! You are an outstanding representative of Lorraine Chapter and of Pennsylvania DeMolay.