On Sunday, January 28th, 2024 at 10 AM, the annual New Hampshire State Elks Association Ritual Competition was held at the Rochester Elks Lodge #1393. NH State Ritual Chairman Don Chesnel from the Rochester Elks was responsible for the contest.
The results were as follows:
PER Competition – 11 O’Clock Toast Contest
- 1st Place – Matthew Sanborn, PER – Rochester, NH Elks Lodge #1393
98.2942 (High Score of the Contest) - 2nd Place – Dawn Croteau, PER – Portsmouth, NH Elks #97
97.9324
ER Competition – 11 O’Clock Toast Contest
- Peter Ducharme, Exalted Ruler, Rochester, NH Elks #1393
98.1133
ER Competition – Flag Presentation Contest
- Peter Ducharme, Exalted Ruler, Rochester, NH Elks #1393
97.1143
Assisting with contest details, hall setup, and refreshments were the following members from the Rochester Elks – Norman Gervais, PER, Lodge Secretary and Lodge Ritual Coach; Jerry Skidds, PER, PDD, Lodge Trustee; Jeanne Bernard, PER, Lodge Tiler and Peter Ducharme, Exalted Ruler.
Judges for the contest were as follows – from New Hampshire: George Labonte, PER, PDD, PSP from the Franklin Elks #1280. From the State of Maine and Sanford, Maine Elks #1470: Frank Ricker, PER, PDD, PSP, State Ritual Chairman; Bruce Brunelle, PER, PDD, PSP and Area 1 Member of the Grand Lodge Ritual Committee; Andy Bolz, PER, PDD, PSP; Roger Normandeau, PER, PDD, PSP; Robert Shaw, PER; and Lisa and Kaitlin Brunelle.
By virtue of their 1st place finishes in the State Contest, Past Exalted Ruler Matthew Sanborn and Exalted Ruler Peter Ducharme will be representing the State of New Hampshire at the Grand Lodge Ritual Contests to be held in Austin, Texas on Sunday, June 30th, 2024.
Many thanks to those who attended and supported this event. Congratulations are also extended to all three participants who worked hard and practiced regularly in preparation for this contest. Your efforts are truly appreciated.