Words of Wisdom: Abbott Scholarship

by Spencer North, Development Associate

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of The Northern Light.

Ivy and Lessa Gharaibeh grew up hearing their stepdad's advice: "Get a degree in what you want to do and a trade in what's needed." This advice came from experience. Bro. Dan Pirlot, 32°, came to Masonry during the COVID pandemic and was raised at the end of it.

He is a Past Master of his lodge and serves as a props master for rituals in Dearborn, Michigan. He has a degree in special effects and a business degree but currently works as a planner and scheduler for a valve company. 

Outside of his trade, he puts his education to good use. He has designed parts of roller coaster rides at both Disney World and Universal theme parks and has made foam latex props for movies. His trade is steady and pays the bills. 

With that stability comes the freedom to do what he's interested in. Bro. Pirlot advised his stepdaughters to follow their dreams while also staying grounded, and both Ivy and Lessa are following in his footsteps.

Lessa has always been interested in food and the culinary arts. The high school that both girls attended had a class with hands-on restaurant training. There was a student-run restaurant on their high school campus, and their classes involved planning, ordering, preparing, and serving food to the public. Students could learn more about working in the food service industry. Lessa learned that while she was passionate about food, she felt more comfortable in an environment without the time constraints of a restaurant kitchen.

Lessa is entering her freshman year of college, pursuing a nutrition degree. "I've always loved helping people, and I can use my degree to find ways for people with allergies or sensitivities to find fun and nutritious things they can eat."

Lessa has also loved fantasy books and movies, and she dreams of opening her own restaurant with a fantasy-based theme and menu.

Ivy has had an interest in blacksmithing since she was young. She has made knives and spoons at forges she's visited with her family. When it comes to a college degree, Ivy is not sure what she wants to do yet. She plans to get an associate's degree with general education credits, which she can use to transfer to a four-year degree. Alongside her associate’s degree, she will be getting a welding certification. "I like welding because it's basically making art with metal, and it's a way I can use my interest in blacksmithing." She is most interested in underwater welding.

Both sisters are taking their stepdad's advice. They have made achievable goals and have steps to reach them. But even though they're planning for their careers in responsible ways, the price of college can still be too steep. Both Lessa and Ivy are attending community college, which is known for its lower tuition costs. "But the price of college isn't just for the classes you take," Ivy says. "It's the textbooks that you need to get, which need to be this year's edition with the CD you need to pay extra for."

Lessa has supplies she needs to get for her schooling too, which are still costly even with a small tuition payment. Brother Pirlot joins in. "That's why the Abbott Scholarships are so important. The girls can put that money toward the things that aren't included in tuition." 

For more information on the Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Program, click here.