Holbrook Elks Ritual Team Wins State Title

    The Arizona Elks Association state convention was held May 7-9 in Tempe. Of the 49 Elks lodges throughout the state, the top two from each of the four districts were on hand to compete for the final prize: the privilege of representing the state at the National Elks Convention scheduled July 5-9 in Portland, Ore.
   The competition was as close as ever, with just tenths of a point separating the top four teams. The Hol-brook Elks Lodge team members, who have been working hard all year for this chance, emerged as the top team. Individual team members who took first in their respective positions included Randy Ramirez, Champion Loyal Knight; John Lamb, Champion Esquire; and Cindy Allen, Champion Chaplain. Allen also tied with Rene Higgenbotham of the Show Low Lodge for Most Impressive Chaplain honors.
   The Elks Ritual Team is comprised of current lodge officers. The objective of the Ritual of Initiation is to impress an incoming member with the principles of the order. The team members are coached to be natu-ral, sincere and dignified, and to become “one” with their part when delivering it to the new member (can-didate). The Elks Ritual of Initiation is considered one of the most impressive initiations, and the officers of Holbrook Lodge take a lot of pride in their responsibility and commitment. The culmination of their efforts was shown when they were recognized by the AEA ritual judges as the best in Arizona.
   The team members are looking forward to representing Arizona in Portland. They will perform at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 6. Fund-raising efforts have already begun to help finance their trip. If you would like more information on becoming involved with the Holbrook Elks Lodge, please contact any of the offi-cers or call the lodge clubroom after 2 p.m. at 524-6789.