The Degree of Chevalier recognizes outstanding active and senior DeMolays who have rendered exceptional service to DeMolay. Chevalier is a French word translating into “Knight.” In 1935, Br. Clarence Barnickle suggested to “Dad” Land the need for a way to recognize outstanding service to DeMolay, an honor that would be open to active DeMolays.
“Dad” Land thought about it and inspiration struck him. In the early days 
of DeMolay, Active DeMolays who served as mentors and guides for the classes of new members wore yellow pillbox type hats and were called “Chevaliers.” Young men going through the degrees would look for their brothers in yellow hats and know what to do. “Dad” Land took that as an inspiration and in 1936 the degree of Chevalier was approved. “Dad” Marshall had died five years earlier and the task of writing the ritual fell to “Dad” Land. What emerged was a ceremony steeped in tradition echoing the athenian oath and the creation of a knight in the days of chivalry.
Below is the Chevalier Class of 2020 for New York DeMolay! Congratulations!
Brian Ramos of Knickerbocker Chapter: Br. Ramos is a Past Master Councilor of Knickerbocker Chapter. He served the chapter ably as Master Councilor introducing fun programs and exciting events. In 2019 he was tapped to provide executive leadership as Metropolitan Region Master Councilor. In 2019, he was appointed to serve New York DeMolay as the 2019-2020 State Scribe where he has ably served and advanced our communications.
Efrain Angel Crespo: Br. and "Dad" Crespo is a Past Master Councilor of Knickerbocker Chapter and one of the most proficient ritualists of Knickerbocker Chapter during his active tenure as a DeMolay. He has performed our public ceremonies for the benefit of a number of appendant bodies in NYC. Br. Crespo received his Blue Honor Key and signed the applications of 12 new DeMolay members. He currently serves as a member of Knickerbocker Chapter's Advisory Council and is a Fellowcraft of Jacques de Molay Lodge UD.
Jeffrey Calderon: Br. and "Dad" Calderon is a Past Master Councilor of Knickerbocker Chapter. He further served as Metro Region Deputy Master Councilor. Br. Calderon hit the ground running in the Order of DeMolay, when he was active, striving to be the best ritualist as possible. He partook in a number of NY DeMolay ritual competitions and traveled around the NYC area to deliver the Flower Talk or Ceremony of Light at various masonic events. He currently serves as Chapter Advisor of Knickerbocker Chapter.
Jorge Emilio Hernandez: Br. Hernandez is a Past Master Councilor and sitting Master Councilor of Mohawk Valley Chapter. As Master Councilor, Br. Hernandez has worked with the chapter to support activities like the Feztival of Trees, Circuses, and helped go digital during COVID19. He has worked with the State Convention Planning Committee and the social media channel.
Nathaniel Paul Heitmann: Br. Heitmann is a Past Master Councilor of Trinity Chapter. Focusing on the Chapter, Br. Heitmann has been involved in numerous activities and events, helping with community service events, activities, and engagement in the community. Br. Heitmann has been a great helper at State Events and helping out whenever needed.
Nicholas George Heitmann: Br. Heitmann is a Past Master Councilor of Trinity Chapter. In 2019, Br. Heitmann was elected as the 2019-2020 Lakes Region Master Councilor. In this role, Nick has served on the State Executive Committee, helped plan a number of state events, and made countless positive contributions. Br. Heitmann hosted a number of different programs for us during COVID19 and made sure DeMolay kept moving.
Richard A. Larson Jr. (RJ): Br. Larson is a Past Master and sitting Master Councilor of Richmond Chapter. In 2019, Br. Larson was elected as the 2019-2020 Metropolitan Region Master Councilor. In this role he has served on the State Executive Committee, assisted in planning state events, and made numerous positive contributions. When COVID19 struck, Br. Larson was the tech whiz who set up our discord server and get us running into the virtual world.
Robin Honeycutt: Br. & “Dad” Honeycutt is a Past Master Councilor of Ridge Council Chapter and a current member of their Advisory Council. As Master Councilor, Br. Honeycutt did a number of programs to engage the community and helped ensure membership success. His return to the advisory council brings with it passion and energy.