WINNFIELD, La. — On Monday evening, October 26, 2026, Eastern Star Masonic Lodge No. 151 F&AM welcomed local students, families, educators, and community members to its lodge hall to present the annual Masonic Honesty and Integrity Awards to eleven outstanding area high school juniors.
Established in 1977 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, the Honesty and Integrity Award program honors high school juniors singled out by their teachers, peers, and community leaders for exemplary moral character, dependability, and personal uprightness.
Brother Todd Martin served as Master of Ceremonies, delivering an inspiring keynote address that drew from reflections shared by Brother Gary Foster and his own family experiences. Martin underscored that while academic honors and athletic accolades have their place, the values recognized at the lodge go far deeper.
“Tonight is not about test scores. It’s not about trophies. It’s not about resumes,”
Martin told the gathered audience. “It is about the qualities that shape a life, strengthen our community, and build trust in a world that needs it more than ever. We are here to honor honesty and integrity—values that sound simple, but take courage to live out every day.”
Martin reminded the juniors that integrity is not defined by a single good deed, but built steadily over time through daily choices, strong family foundations, faith, and what folks in Winn Parish proudly call a “good upbringing.”
“Honesty will earn trust. Integrity will earn respect. Put them both together, and they will earn you opportunities that only good character can unlock,” Martin said. “Who you are is always more important than what you achieve, and the world needs leaders guided not just by ambition, but by principle.”
Following the address, Worshipful Master Mike Maloy and District Five Deputy Grand Master Rusty Russell formally presented each recipient with a commemorative certificate and pin. The evening held a special personal milestone for DDGM Russell, who had the honor of presenting the award to his granddaughter, Presley Gilcrease. Closing out the evening as with all Masonic endeavors Chaplain Brother Carroll offered a benediction before families gathered for portraits.
Kelsey Desadier, representing Dodson High School, is the reigning 2026 Miss Winn Parish Fair Queen and has completed more than 150 hours of community service. Dual-enrolled at Northwestern State University, she is active in 4-H, FFA, HOSA, FBLA, Beta Club, Student Council, and serves as an assistant gymnastics coach while competing as varsity girls basketball co-captain and in track. She plans to attend Louisiana Tech University to earn her degree in nursing with a focus on labor and delivery.
Jack Vines, a junior at Dodson High School, is an active leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a standout two-sport varsity athlete in both basketball and baseball for the Panthers. Following high school graduation, he plans to pursue a university degree in engineering.
Presley Gilcrease, a junior at Winnfield Senior High School, participates in 4-H, FFA, FBLA, Anchor Club, HOSA, and the Youth Volunteer Club. She represents WSHS on the cheer squad and the Lady Tiger varsity softball team. She plans to enter college after graduation to pursue a degree and career in nursing.
Ella Higginbotham, attending St. Mary’s Catholic School, is an active member of FBLA, Beta Club, Student Council, Cooking for a Cause, and the cheer squad. After completing high school, she plans to attend Louisiana Tech University.
Emmalyn Miller, a junior at Winnfield Senior High School, is active in Winn Parish 4-H Junior Leaders, Student Council, HOSA, Beta Club, FFA, FBLA, and FCA. She is a member of the Tiger Dance Line and competes in track, with future goals of completing pre-medical studies and pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon.
Cedar Brister, a junior at Winnfield Senior High School, is a versatile four-sport athlete competing in varsity football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, while remaining active in the Fellowship of Christian Students. Representing four generations of Masonic family heritage, he plans to enter the military following high school with hopes of becoming an aviation pilot.
Micah McManus, a junior at Winnfield Senior High School, participates in 4-H, 4-H Junior Leaders, FFA, FBLA, and Beta Club, having also served two years as a high school athletic manager. With a strong passion for mechanics, he plans to attend technical college to earn commercial HVAC and plumbing certifications.
Colby Pray, a junior at Winnfield Senior High School, is an active member of 4-H, Beta Club, and FBLA. A dedicated student-athlete, he plays varsity football and baseball for the Tigers and plans to pursue a four-year college education after graduation.
Catharine Page, a junior at Winnfield Senior High School, is an active member of 4-H, FFA, and FBLA. She represents WSHS on the cheer squad and the varsity golf team, with future educational plans to attend college, working toward enrolling at Louisiana Tech University.
Rylan Johnson, a junior at Winnfield Senior High School, serves as a dedicated manager for the Winnfield Tiger football team. Inspired by the craftsmanship and work ethic of his grandfather, Wayne Harlan, he plans to enroll in the welding program at Central Louisiana Technical Community College to earn his certifications and travel as a professional welder.
Carl “Leo” Bryant IV, a junior at Winnfield Senior High School, maintains a 4.0 GPA while serving on the Student Council, Beta Club, and FBLA, and co-hosting a weekly sports podcast. A multi-sport athlete in football, baseball, and powerlifting, he also serves as Activities Chairman for the Winn Parish 4-H Junior Leaders and has earned state honors in ATV safety. He plans to graduate in 2028 and attend LSU or Louisiana Tech University to study mechanical engineering or construction management.