Elks Lodge Awards Community Members
The Wolf Point Elks Lodge #1764 honored community and lodge members during its annual awards banquet held last week.
“We’re really proud of the people we could give awards to tonight,” exalted ruler Scott Montgomery said at the start of the ceremony.
Gary Johnson was the recipient of the Citizen of the Year honor. Johnson is a life member of the Elks and has served as the lodge’s treasurer and trustee. In the community, Johnson has led food pantry efforts during the past three or four years and is also a leader at his church.
“He’s a great benefit to our community,” Montgomery said.
Johnson thanked everybody who help him, especially at the food pantry. “Without them, it won’t happen,” Johnson said.
Jacob Boysun received the award for First Responder of the Year.
Boysun is a member of the Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department. At the school, he improved the speech and drama program at the school and has directed entertaining plays.
“He does a lot for the community along with the fire department,” Montgomery said.
Darla Downs was honored as the Elk of the Year for Wolf Point. She has held about every officer position in Wolf Point and is a past state president.
She currently plays a strong role in keeping the club open for business.
“She kind of keeps the place running,” Montgomery said.
Dennis Heser was selected the Lodge Officer of the Year. He is the leading knight at the Lodge.
In addition, his service includes cookings meals and volunteering for many other activities.
Scholarship winners from Wolf Point High School were Victoria Wozniak and Chase Adams.
Current Elks Lodge officers are Montgomery as exalted ruler, Heser as leading knight, Jeff Presser as loyal knight, Amy Keller as lecturing knight, Karen Jeide as secretary, Penny Presser as treasurer, Angela Romo as esquire, Louise Petersen as chaplain, Bill Vander Weele as tiler, John Plestina as inner guard and trustees David Perkins, Gene Pronto and Brad Traeholt.
