The Frackville Elks Lodge proudly celebrated a night of service, recognition, and community spirit during their annual awards ceremony this past weekend.
Held at the local lodge, the event honored individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to community service, volunteerism, and the Elks organization itself.
This year's honorees included:
- Citizen of the Year: Wendy Weikel – Recognized for her outstanding contributions to the community through volunteer efforts and civic involvement.
- Elk of the Year: John Guers – Honored for his tireless dedication to the lodge and its mission. Guers has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has played a vital role in supporting the Elks' charitable initiatives throughout the year.
- Officer of the Year: Jackie Skorski – Celebrated for exemplary service and leadership within the lodge’s officer corps.
- Grand Exalted Ruler Special Commendations: Tracy Dudash, John Rogers – An honor recognizing exceptional service and dedication to the principles of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. During the Awards Night, Dudash was also appointed as Grand Exalted Ruler for the 2025-2026 Term for the Frackville Elks.
The awards night is a longstanding tradition for the Frackville Elks, bringing together members, community leaders, and guests to celebrate those who exemplify the Elks’ core values of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity.
Founded in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the largest and most active fraternal organizations in the United States. With a strong commitment to community service, the Elks support numerous charitable initiatives, including programs for veterans, scholarships for students, drug awareness campaigns, and youth sports.
The Frackville Elks Lodge continues to be a cornerstone of service in northern Schuylkill County, providing a welcoming space for civic engagement and philanthropy. The Frackville Elks currently has over 600 members.
