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Meet the Class of 2014 Elks Scholars

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 a true honor,” says Marisa. “I am so very glad that being an Elks scholar will give me access to a greater community.”

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.
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