Paxton’s Adam DeFronzo has taken on a big new role with a small-town heart. The 20-year-old was recently elected International Congress Secretary for DeMolay International—a youth leadership organization for young men ages 12 to 21 with about 12,000 members worldwide. It’s a huge honor for someone from a small New England town, and DeFronzo is already representing his community on the global stage.

Adam now works alongside other youth leaders to support DeMolay chapters across the globe, helping young men build leadership skills, give back to their communities, and connect with one another.

Since his June election, Adam has hit the ground running – literally - traveling to Oklahoma, Brazil, Arizona, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Upcoming stops include Paraguay, Southern California, and Florida.

DeMolay, with Masonic origins, has been shaping confident leaders for over a century. Any young man can join, and no Masonic connections are necessary. Masonic lodges have a commitment to public service and charity, and the DeMolay chapters fall under that wide umbrella. Many Masonic lodges support their local DeMolay chapters financially and many DeMolay chapters meet in Masonic lodges, which helps the young men feel like they have a home away from home no matter where they are across the globe. 

The Worcester chapter, where Adam began, marked its 100th anniversary in 2023–24 and includes members from towns across Central Massachusetts. Members run their own chapters, plan community service projects, fundraisers, trips, and sports nights.

“At DeMolay, we learn by doing,” Adam says. “You run meetings, plan events, speak in public, and make decisions as a group. It’s a great place to discover what kind of leader you want to be.”

DeMolay also awards thousands in scholarships annually to help members achieve educational goals. There is a similar organization for young women in Massachusetts—the International Order of Rainbow for Girls - offering parallel opportunities.

Adam credits DeMolay with shaping who he is today. “I joined when I was 12, and I’ve made memories and lifelong friends,” he says. From Central Massachusetts to the world stage, Adam DeFronzo’s leadership journey is just beginning.

Learn more about joining DeMolay at BeADemolay.org or follow the Worcester Chapter on Facebook at Worcester DeMolay.

Article submitted by Jennifer DeFronzo