Plymouth’s Elk Lodge was the host of a free community event that welcomed the county’s local youth in for a much-needed pep talk ahead of the academic school year.
The event was the culmination of several groups, including Golden Crown Lodge#253, HOPE Youth Council #292, the Washington County Explorers Post, Love and Union Temple #150 and, naturally, the IBPO Elks of the World fraternal order. As such, the event included a number of different speakers, including familiar faces like former Washington County superintendent Julius Walker, a memorable appearance by Plymouth firefighters as well as Elk Lodge members.
Speaker Julius Walker was especially concerned with the epidemic of bullying and the burden imposed on students and their academic progress. While Walker did advocate for parental and school administratorintervention,he also cautioned that the kids should be prepared to stand up for themselves when they have to — within reason...
