Freddy has been a member of the Masonic Lodge in Italy for about twenty-eight years. For those of you who don’t know what the Masonic Lodge is here are some facts.

Masons are men who have joined a fraternity, and who refer to themselves as Freemasons. The main principles of Freemasonry are: each member shows tolerance, respect and kindness in his actions toward others, practices charity and care for the community as a whole and strives to achieve high moral standards in his own life. Honor and integrity are at the core of the Masonic belief system. Members are encouraged to practice self control and treat the people around them with respect.

I think we have just described Freddy Ivy. He lives by those principles.

Ivy loves children, it is very evident in everything he does. He is going on his thirteenth year of reading to the kindergarten classes at Stafford Elementary almost every Wednesday at 8:00 AM.

Being retired, Ivy could just relax, and enjoy himself at home or do things around the house. But no, he makes sure he doesn’t miss a Wednesday with the kindergarten students at Stafford Elementary.

When asked how he started reading to the students he answered, “Scottish Rite Hospital about 14-15 years ago started this program. As far as I know I am the only one that does it in the district. When I started doing this I thought it would be a chore, but it is a blessing. The Masons wanted someone to do this program and I volunteered when no one else volunteered. I sure am glad I did. It has truly been a blessing. When the students recognize me it really touches my heart.”

When asked how he picks the books, Freddy said, “The teachers pick the books that I read and the books go along with whatever they are studying that week.”

He explained, “Besides reading to them I also try to share some things that happen in life. I share some of the things that happened to me when I was in school. I will bring some of my collections like marbles, pocket knives and so on. I have one set of pocket knives that have the presidents on them. I brought them to class when we were reading about presidents. That helps them to grasp what we are reading about.”

When asked what was his favorite thing about reading to the students is, he replied, “The students. Having the children recognize me when I am out in the public. I was at Sam’s one day in Dallas and one child said, ‘Mom, that is Mr. Ivy, he reads to us at school.’ Same thing happened when I was at the hospital and a child saw me and said ‘that is Mr. Ivy.’ It makes me know I have touched their lives in someway and they really touch mine. I love it when they come running and give me hugs. That is my reward. The students are my reward.”

Ivy not only reads to the students but he also presents the Lamar medals to teachers and hands out scholarships at Italy High School.

Freddy Ivey has been married to Jo Ivy for fifty three years and has two daughters and four grandchildren.

Thank you for all you do, Freddy Ivy.