San Francisco Scottish Rite presented “Quest for the Best 2009,” its sixth annual talent competition for all California youth. With an ecstatic crowd of nearly 500 in the audience, more than 50 kids on stage, and 18 stunning acts representing 20 nonprofit youth organizations, it was the highest profile event of the Valley’s year and the biggest and best “Quest” ever.

The contestants, ages 10 to 21, were at the top of their game, giving their best in singing, dancing, acting and instrumental performances, both as soloists and in groups. Winners took home $1000, $500, and $250 in prize money, awarded as charitable donations to their youth organizations. The top three also received trophies for themselves, while each participant got a personalized Certificate of Achievement for their weeks of hard work – including auditions, callbacks, dress and tech rehearsals, plus two group production numbers designed to give everyone a cooperative as well as competitive experience.

This year’s “Quest for the Best” received commendations from San Francisco City Supervisors Carmen Chu and Sean Elsbernd, State Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, and State Senator Leland Yee, whose representative commended Scottish Rite on stage for outstanding community service. In a special appearance, Miss Teen California, Kaeleigh Ashton Thorp, served on the judging panel. In the past, “Quest” has been commended by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

The event was co-sponsored by the Neighborhoods West of Twin Peaks Conveners Group, one of 20 such offices of the City and County of San Francisco which coordinate youth activities and services. Prize money was provided by the Conveners with a Family Action Grant, applied for by the young parents on the “Quest” production team, and administered by the Valleys of San Francisco and Burlingame’s Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center, a 501(c)3. Center Director Glenna Milleman said, “I’m delighted to help this fantastic effort on the part of our membership. It’s great for the kids, and it’s the freshest, most exciting thing I’ve seen from Scottish Rite.”

“Quest for the Best” is a true labor of love, produced and run entirely by Scottish Rite volunteers. Technical Director Greg Botto said, “I hope ‘Quest’ gives young people the same formative experience I once had as a DeMolay. That’s how I started on this stage 27 years ago, in JoDeRa musical productions. I’ve been with Scottish Rite ever since, and now I’d like my own kids to have that opportunity as well.”

San Francisco Chapter DeMolays were on hand this year as ushers, and next year Stage Manager Richard Modolo hopes to have more JoDeRas on the crew, teaching them theater production. Modolo added, “This is good for our entire Masonic family. The kids meet and make friends backstage, supporting and encouraging each other. And each year we watch them grow – not just in performing talent, but in self esteem. It’s a win for everyone.”

“Quest” began in 2003 as a program for Masonic Youth Orders. Three years ago it was opened to all non-profit youth organizations. The response has been tremendous, according to the show’s director, Carson Duper, who said, “We’re showing everyone what Masonry is about. We’re helping worthy youth programs which are suffering in these tough economic times, and I believe serving our higher mission to help build a better world.”

The Valley of San Francisco is one to watch, especially the “Quest for the Best” team, who have big plans for the future. “We’d like to involve more Valleys,” said Duper, “to make this a regional, even national competition. But for right now, we want Scottish Rite to be a major force in San Francisco, and ‘Quest for the Best’ is making that happen.”