Brookfields Lions Club Honors Members for Outstanding Service and Humanitarian Contributions
NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA — The Brookfields Lions Club recognized eight members for their dedication to community service and humanitarian efforts during the club’s annual Awards Banquet held Thursday, May 21, at Hardwick Crossing Country Club in Gilbertville.
Club President William Cass presented Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards to Lion Philip Bricault, Lion Jeffrey Hayes, Lion Geno Waugh and Lion Steven Willette in recognition of their exceptional service and commitment to Lionism.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship, established in 1973 by Lions Clubs International, is considered one of the organization’s highest honors. Named after Lions founder Melvin Jones, the award recognizes outstanding humanitarian service and support of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
“Within Lionism, the Melvin Jones Fellowship symbolizes a person who truly embodies the Lions motto, ‘We Serve,’” said Cass. “These recipients have consistently gone above and beyond through leadership, community involvement and dedication to helping others.”
In addition to a personalized plaque and lapel pin, recipients of the fellowship also received congratulatory letters from Fabricio Oliveira, LCIF chairperson, recognizing their role in supporting humanitarian causes throughout the world.
The letter noted that LCIF-funded programs support efforts to fight diabetes, preventable blindness and childhood cancer, while also responding to natural disasters, feeding the hungry, empowering young people and protecting the environment.
Membership Chair Lion Andy Caron also presented the Lions District 33A Joseph J. Camarda Fellowship Award to Lion William Fullam, Lion Marc Kokansky, Lion Douglas Morrison, and Lion Paul Thompson.
The Joseph J. Camarda Fellowship, established in 1986 by the District 33A Sight & Hearing Conservation & Treatment Fund, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to sight and hearing initiatives throughout Massachusetts. Named in memory of Past International Director Joseph J. Camarda, the fellowship recognizes exceptional humanitarian service and dedication to improving vision and hearing health in local communities.
Recipients receive a personalized plaque and lapel pin, while fellowship contributions support programs that provide assistance for individuals facing vision and hearing challenges throughout District 33A communities.
“The Lions Club has a long tradition of recognizing members who quietly make a difference year after year,” said Caron. “These awards reflect the spirit of service and compassion that continues to define Lionism in our local communities.”
Brookfields Lions Club Awards Local Scholarships
North Brookfield, MA – The Brookfields Lions Club has awarded five scholarships totaling $5,000 to local high school graduates, according to club president, William Cass.
Each year, the Lions award scholarships of up to $1,000 to students who live within the club’s service area, and attend one of five local high schools: David Prouty High School, Spencer; North Brookfield High School, North Brookfield; Quabbin Regional High School, Barre; Quaboag Regional High School, Warren, and Tantasqua Regional High School, Sturbridge.
“We’re proud to support these students as they begin the next chapter of their education,” said Cass. “Each of them has demonstrated hard work, commitment to their education, and the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The Brookfields Lions Club is honored to help invest in their future.”
Madison DeCelle, of Brookfield, attends Tantasqua Regional High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. She is the daughter of Amanda DeCelle. Madison will be studying fashion design and marketing at Lasell University, in Newton, Massachusetts,
Willow Anderson is the recipient from East Brookfield, and also attends Tantasqua Regional High School. She is the daughter of Eric and Ellen Anderson. Willow will be attending The College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, where she will be studying language in the hopes of someday working as a government interpreter.
Hunter McQueston, of New Braintree, attends Quabbin Regional High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. She is the daughter of Michael and Jessica McQueston. Hunter will be attending the University of Maine at Orono where she will major in nursing.
Emily Black, of North Brookfield, attends Quabbin Regional High School. She is the daughter of Cassie Hobbs and Andrew Black. Emily will be attending Nichols College, Dudley, MA where she will be studying criminal justice with an eye toward being a criminal psychologist.
Gianna Lindsey is the recipient from West Brookfield, where she attends Quaboag Regional High School. She is the daughter of Eunice and Craig Lindsey. Gianna will be attending Western New England University where she will be studying law.
To be eligible for a Brookfields Lions Club scholarship, applicants must be a resident of one of the Brookfields or New Braintree. The student’s high school guidance director must confirm the student’s class rank and sign the application, and the completed application must be submitted before the high school’s spring break. To receive the scholarship, recipients must demonstrate that they are enrolled as a full-time college student and have earned passing grades.
As the world’s largest, youngest and most active service organization, the mission of Lions Clubs International is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding. Members of the Brookfields Lions Club are dedicated to service and support in the communities of Brookfield, East Brookfield, North Brookfield, West Brookfield, and New Braintree.
May 15, 2025 – Club Members Presented with Milestone Chevron Awards
Lions Clubs International recognizes the anniversaries of our members with Milestone Chevron Awards. Acknowledging our members with these awards gives LCI the chance to thank Lions for their years of service and encourage them to continue making a difference in their local communities and worldwide.
District 33A Governor Denise Andrews presented Milestone Chevron Awards to eight Brookfields Lions Club members on May 15, 2025:
• Steve Brunelle – 35 years
• Jim Buzzell – 25 years
• Mike Kularski – 35 years
• Jim Lovett – 45 years
• Tom Ruiz – 15 years
• Lindsey Searah – 20 years
• Mike Toomey – 45 years
• Joe Truhel – 25 years
May 7, 2025 – Brookfields Lions Club Awards 2025 Scholarships
Each year, the Brookfields Lions Club awards scholarships amounting to up to $500 to students at five area high schools. The following 10 students have each been awarded a $250 scholarship, according to Club President, William Cass:
Quabbin Regional High School – Samantha Carlson and Nathan Pride
Quaboag Regional High School – Joshua Leamins and Falon Rice
Tantasqua Regional High School – Anthony Fazzuoli and Jackson Landine
North Brookfield High School – Dayton Ford and Anthony Polanco
David Prouty High School – Makenzie Morin and Alivia Sauvageau
To be eligible for a Brookfields Lions Club scholarship, students applicants must be a resident of one of the Brookfields or New Braintree, and their high school guidance director must confirm the student’s class rank and sign the application.
Scholarship recipients have up to one year to demonstrate that they are enrolled as a full-time student at the college or university of their choice and earning passing grades.