Woodlawn Chapter DeMolay Earns Prestigious Past Master Councilor's Meritorious Service Award

VADeMolay
16 hours ago
3 min read

Esteban was presented with the PMC-MSA on June 6, 2026, by Virginia DeMolay's EO, SMC, and DSMC

Virginia DeMolay is proud to announce that Esteban Aquino Isasi has earned the Past Master Councilor's Meritorious Service Award (PMC-MSA), one of the most prestigious honors available to a Master Councilor. Esteban served as Master Councilor of Woodlawn Chapter from November 16, 2025, to May 3, 2026, and fulfilled every requirement of the award through exemplary leadership, careful planning, and the dedicated teamwork of his chapter.

A Well-Rounded Term of Service

From the outset, Esteban set ambitious goals for his chapter and followed through with a comprehensive term program. He led Woodlawn Chapter through a packed schedule of service, fellowship, and civic engagement that touched every pillar of DeMolay life.

Community Service was a cornerstone of the term. In April 2026, Esteban organized a cleanup at Lake Accotink Park in support of the Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) monthly effort, drawing DeMolays, advisors, and even prospective members to the cause.

Masonic Service came in the form of a chapter-wide effort at the Springfield Lodge Blood Drive on February 21, 2026, where Woodlawn DeMolays assisted with donor registration and other volunteer tasks for four hours alongside lodge officers and advisors.

Fundraising was handled through a Virginia Peanuts sale that ran from January through March. The chapter exceeded its fundraising goal, netting $375.63 against an expected return of approximately $350.

Social Activities included a festive Holiday Party on December 21, 2025, complete with a potluck dinner, games, and a white elephant gift exchange — an event that brought together DeMolays, advisors, and their families.

Athletics featured a trampoline park outing at a local flight park on April 12, 2026, which also doubled as an outreach opportunity, with prospects joining alongside chapter members.

Obligatory Days Observed

Esteban ensured the chapter observed its required Obligatory Days with creativity and meaning:

Educational Day (February 1, 2026): A guest speaker presented to the chapter on the topic of Early Childhood Special Education, giving members insight into a meaningful field of public service.
Day of Comfort (December 21, 2025): The chapter donated two bags of clothing and an impressive 263 pounds of food to Ecumenical Center Helping Others (ECHO), a local charitable organization in Springfield, VA, reflecting the DeMolay's commitment to helping those in need.
Patriots' Day (February 15, 2026): Members visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps to honor the patriotism and sacrifice of U.S. Marines throughout history.
Devotional Day (March 15, 2026): The chapter welcomed the Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, who spoke about how his own DeMolay experience shaped his path to Masonic leadership — a deeply fitting message for a DeMolay audience.

Visitations and Brotherhood

Woodlawn Chapter completed three official DeMolay visitations during the term - to Ashburn Chapter, Kilwinning-Crosse Chapter, and Prince William Chapter - strengthening bonds of brotherhood across Virginia DeMolay.

Growing the Chapter

Perhaps most significantly, Esteban met and matched his membership goal. During his term, the chapter initiated two new members and welcomed an affiliation from a DeMolay previously initiated under another chapter. By the close of his term, two additional signed membership applications were in hand, setting up his successor for continued growth.

A Reflection on Leadership

In his final letter, Esteban credited the success of his term to the collective effort of his chapter members, advisory council, and the organizational systems they built together, including a chapter communication group and monthly Advisory Council meetings to keep events running smoothly. He offered thoughtful advice to his successor and reflected honestly on areas for continued growth — a mark of genuine maturity and dedication to the Order.

The Past Master Councilor's Meritorious Service Award was created by DeMolay Founder Frank S. Land to recognize Master Councilors who lead with vision, planning, and teamwork. Esteban has honored that legacy. Woodlawn Chapter, its advisory council, and Virginia DeMolay extend their heartfelt congratulations to Esteban on this outstanding achievement.

Congratulations, Esteban — well earned!