At its January 2023 Ceremonial, Aleppo had its largest-ever “class” of Master Noble Award recipients. During this event, 10 members of our Shrine temple, including several members of the 2022 Divan, accepted certificates for earning this distinction.
Illustrious Sir Robert H. Brown, as well as several other members of the 2022 Divan, were presented with this award right before the 2023 Divan was installed and their previous terms ended.
In addition to the highest-ranking member of our temple, Chief Rabban Charlie Diminico, Assistant Rabban David Veo, Oriental Guide Roger Gardiner and Recorder Steve Eriksen all received framed certificates for earning this distinction. Treasurer Bob Baker was not present to get his certificate, but his name was announced for completing the requirements.
Just to clarify, Charlie Diminico received his certificate shortly before he was installed as Aleppo’s newest Illustrious Potentate, and both David Veo and Roger Gardiner got their certificates right before moving up to the next position in the Divan.
Past that, Nobles Jeff Zesch, Mark Lander, Carl Olson, Sr., Tim Gravelese and Patrick Ventola were all presented with this award. Noble Mitch Shair was not present to obtain his certificate, but his name was announced, recognizing him for earning this distinction.
Further, three newer members of Aleppo, Nobles Dave Gasson, Joe Scott, Jr. and John Robinson Jr., were formally recognized for earning the Rookie Noble Award. While the first two Nobles received certificates, Noble John Robinson Jr. completed the requirements for this opportunity the day of the Ceremonial, so we did not yet have a certificate ready for him at the event.
All in all, 14 members of Aleppo were recognized for earning one of these retention awards.
This massive participation dovetailed with the five-year anniversary of the Master Noble Award, as this particular distinction was originally announced at Aleppo in January 2018.
By working together, we have been able to achieve great things; and going forward, I know we can accomplish even more.
I encourage any member of Aleppo who is interested in pursuing these awards to contact me, Recorder Steve Eriksen, Membership Chair Noble Steve Dalrymple, or the office.
Noble Charles Bovaird
Rookie and Master Noble Award Chairman