Elks National Foundation Blog

Carly Grimes 2014 Most Valuable Student Scholar Pomona College—Environmental Analysis Major Sponsored by Venice-Nokomis, Fla., Lodge No. 1854 Elks scholars have a knack for using their passion to help others. This is certainly true for Carly Grimes, who plans to combine her passion for law and the environment to promote changes in environmental policy. In high school, Carly volunteered for Teen Court as an attorney, representing teens that had run into trouble with local law enforcement. In addition to improving her public speaking skills and developing a passion for law, Carly served as a positive role model for her peers, encouraging them to make better decisions in the future. Since middle school she has also volunteered with the Wyland Foundation, engaging communities nationwide in environmental initiatives and educating them on the importance of oceanic preservation. Because of her dedication, Carly was chosen as the first Youth Ambassador for the Planet, speaking to commun

Jasmine Ford   2014 Legacy Awards Recipient   Gonzaga University—Nursing Major Sponsored by Tillamook, Ore., Lodge No. 1437 Jasmine Ford has a passion for building community by helping others. In between varsity track meets and organizing events for National Honor Society in high school, Jasmine found time to give back in countless ways. Every week, she volunteered for her church’s Sunday school, teaching and spending time with community children. She also worked as a soccer referee and as a youth staff member at the local YMCA. In addition, she suffered through bone chilling temperatures in Hope on the Slopes, a day-long ski marathon to benefit cancer research. “I love giving back to the community through committed volunteer work,” says Jasmine. As a college student, Jasmine eagerly jumped into volunteering by living in a service-oriented residence hall. In her first week, Jasmine volunteered to help build a hiking trail to benefit the community. She will continue h

Marisa Pia Kwiatkowski    2014 Most Valuable Student Scholar Stanford University Sponsored by Santa Clara, Calif., Lodge No. 2347 After years on the track and field team, Marisa Pia Kwiatkowski can go the distance. Besides her athletic pursuits, Marisa has spent many hours as a swim instructor and lifeguard, teaching children water safety and swimming techniques. She has also spent time as a tutor and babysitter, all of which has given her a love of working with children. In college, Marisa plans to study education or business management, and plans to work her way from teacher to principal, becoming a force in education policy and improving students’ experiences. “I hope to make a difference by uniting my community,” says Marisa. “I believe that a united group of people can work toward helping the less fortunate.” With her passion for helping others and her Elks scholarship, Marisa will be able to help many children through her future endeavors. “Being an Elks scholar is

By 2014 Legacy Awards Recipient and Elks Scholar Advisory Board Member Anji Radakrishnan   Anji Radakrishnan, 2014 Legacy scholar and freshmen representative on the Elks Scholar Advisory Board , is giving us a glimpse into life as a college freshmen. Join her each month as she blogs about her exciting new challenges and experiences at Penn State.     During this past summer, while the rest of the soon-to-be college freshman were busy hanging out with their friends and enjoying the presence of their families, I was in a small study lounge on my floor, busily typing away Biology notes, speeches, and English essays on my laptop. I attended Penn State’s summer session, a necessary component of my six year premedical-medical program through Jefferson Medical School. This summer introduced me to brand-new experiences. The most memorable of these was the 4th of July weekend.     On the 4th of July, thousands of people arrived at Beaver Stadium to watch the light display to com

Tanner Snider 2014 Legacy Awards Recipient  Indiana University - Bloomington—Finance Major Sponsored by Vincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 After working for years on the family farm, Tanner Snider knows the meaning of hard work. Coupled with his business acumen, he will take his work ethic from the barn to the board room, as he prepares to study business and finance this fall. After college, Tanner hopes to obtain a master’s degree and work in finance before climbing the corporate ladder to become a CEO.  While his sights are on the future, Tanner knows the importance of serving others and creating a positive impact in his community today. In high school, he founded and led the Down with Depression program to advocate for depression awareness. Through many hours of fundraising and planning, Tanner spoke to thousands of students in his community about the warning signs and effects of depression and the importance of suicide prevention. Through continued advocacy in college and be