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 New York DeMolay Class of 2021 Chevalier Class!
Br. Gabe Bucknam: Br. Gabe Bucknam of Ridge Council Chapter was Senior Councilor of Ridge Council Chapter. chapter office held was Senior Councilor, when the United States of America needed him he opted not to go to the east but rather take on the title of “United States Marine.” Br. Gabe is a hard working DeMolay who was active in events and programs helping with degrees. He is a brother that all can turn to when they need an ear. When he has leave he has come home to the chapter to help out and has even put on programs for the chapter. While physically far apart, his heart and mind remain close to his chapter.
Br. Aedan Bunch: Br. Aedan Bunch of Ridge Council Chapter and Meridian Sun Chapter has served as Master Councilor of both chapters. He is a hard-working DeMolay and excelled in event planning and building the brotherhood of DeMolay. When Meridian Sun Chapter needed a Master Councilor, though he had just finished serving as Master Councilor of Ridge Council, Br. Aedan stepped up and has done an outstanding job. He hosted the first set of full chapter level degrees in the Buffalo area since he COVID19 Shut down. Br. Bunch has served this past year as the Lakes Region Master Councilor and brought credit and honor to this position. Br. Aedan has earned the Representative DeMolay Award and the York Rite Tribune Award. He was a finalist for the 2021 DeMolay of the Year Contest.
Br. Gavin Johnson: Br. Gavin Johnson of Ridge Council Chapter, founding Master Councilor of the restarted Olean Chapter. Br. Gavin is a hard working DeMolay who has excelled in the ritualism of DeMolay performing a number of different ceremonies including a beautiful rendition of the Flower Talk. He has been the New York Class VI Voting Member of the MATOC Committee. When the opportunity to re-start Olean Chapter occurred Br. Gavin stepped up and served as the founding Master Councilor creating an exciting first term of activities and events. Br. Gavin has earned the Founder’s Membership Award and the Representative DeMolay.
Br. & “Dad” Jonathon Zegarelli: “Dad” Zegarelli of Mohawk Valley and Onondaga Chapters. Br. Zegarelli helped to start Onondaga Chapter. When Onondaga closed he landed closer to home as he lived in Clinton, NY and found his new home in Mohawk Valley Chapter. Br. Zegarelli was always the young man you can count on to be at activities and meetings. He has participated in activities such as but not limited to: State Athletics Weekend, Winterfest, LeadCon and Convention. Not only active on the jurisdictional and chapter levels but also the region/division level by attending Brotherhood Weekend. After college, Br. Zegarelli returned to DeMolay. When asked why he wanted to return, he said, " I want to give back to my Chapter. They gave so much to me while I was growing up that I want to have something for when my sons get to be 12 to be a part of."