Always willing to push the envelope of DeMolay website spotlighting (and you know what a big envelope THAT is), and perch on the razor's edge of progress, PA DeMolay is happy to bring you a very unique spotlight this month. It's unique because IT'S NOT ABOUT ONE OF OUR MEMBERS! Now, there's absolutely no shortage of outstanding spotlight material in PA DeMolay, the finest young men's organization in the world, but (and don't tell anybody) this month's spotlight IS A GIRL!!!

Krista Bortz is used to being known by a lot of different titles. She's a member of Reading Rainbow, Chapter Sweetheart for Reading Chapter (she's served since April 2001), and (in case you're counting) she's the "little sister" of current State Master Councilor, Keith Bortz. But none of that is why she's in this month's spotlight. The members and advisors of her Chapter suggested we highlight her here because of the important role she's played in the Chapter's success this year. You see, Krista is personally responsible for NINE NEW MEMBERS being inducted into Reading Chapter this year ... since she can't actually first-line sign for the young men she recruits, or get any of the awards given to DeMolay members for recruiting, her Chapter thought it was only appropriate that she at least get some public credit for her hard work representing DeMolay. We agree.

At school, at work, out shopping --wherever Krista happens to be, you're likely to find her talking to somebody about DeMolay. She ran for Chapter Sweetheart because she believes in what DeMolay stands for, and wanted to support and represent the Order well. So far so good!

When she's not busy selling DeMolay, you'll find her with the High School Band or Chorus (she's in 10th grade at Exeter High School), at Student Council meetings, Cheerleading, working on the Yearbook, taking dance lessons, or acting in the drama club. In her "spare time" (HA!) she plays the piano, reads poetry, or smacks her brother Keith to keep him in line (we're sure he needed it). Meanwhile, she's starting through the officer "line" in her Rainbow Assembly, and hopes to serve as Worthy Advisor in the future.

The folks at Reading wanted this spotlight to be a surprise to Krista, so we had to be a little sneaky about getting information. Krista's mother ("Mom" Joy Bortz, an Advisor for Reading Chapter) sent us this clip from a speech Krista gave, and we think it captures her character well: "I am most proud of the fact that I have never allowed peer pressure to change who I am and what I believe in. I am proud to say I have never used drugs or alcohol. I am also very proud that I helped one of my close friends to stop using drugs and alcohol and showed him that you can have fun and enjoy life without the use of controlled substances."

Krista's packed a lot of accomplishments into 16 years, and she packs plenty of energy into all she does for DeMolay, for her family, and for her friends. If you're lucky, you'll get to count yourself among them!

SURPRISE, Krista, the SPOTLIGHT's ON YOU!