Meet the Class of 2014 Elks Scholars

 Tara Chattoraj
2014 Most Valuable Student Scholar 

 

University of Chicago—Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry Major

Sponsored by Wheaton, Ill., Lodge No. 2258

“Since my synapses first began to form, I have wanted not only to amass knowledge, but to create it,” says Tara Chattoraj.

Her involvements throughout high school allowed her to learn, create, and share her knowledge with others.

Tara, who is interested in a career in medical physics, advanced her knowledge as an intern at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. She built modules to help regulate the accelerator, worked in physics labs, and programmed solar panels. In addition, she has also published numerous articles in textbooks and literary magazines.

She is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. In her free time, she tutors children at a local shelter, assists students with test preparation, teaches the violin, and works as a karate instructor at a martial arts studio, where she is a second degree black belt.

“Being an Elks scholar, excellent in academics and service, is just a stepping stone to a greater future,” says Tara. “We are the ones who can cure cancer, who can land on Mars, who can write the great American novel. We will be the ones to change the world.”

Thanks to her passion for learning and sharing her knowledge, Tara is an Elks scholar who will change the world.

For 2014-15, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.44 million to fund the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, which includes 500 four-year Most Valuable Student Scholarships. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars.