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Meet the Class of 2014 Elks Scholars

Savannah Pham
2014 Most Valuable Student Scholar
 
Stanford University—Psychology Major

Sponsored by Temecula Valley, Calif., Lodge No. 2801

Savannah Pham leads her life according to an Abraham Lincoln quote, “I have an irrepressible desire to live until I can be assured the world is a better for my having lived in it.” Savannah is already on her way to making the world a better place.

In high school, Savannah was active in the Air Force JROTC program, serving as a class officer and senator, and rising in the ranks to become a Cadet Commander for her unit of nearly 300 students.

She was also a leader in academics, being a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. She also volunteered her time with the Murrieta Youth Advisory Committee, planning events for local teens to keep them engaged and out of trouble, while also serving as a lawyer for Youth Court, and organizing events for local senior citizens.

Beyond the classroom, she was able to pursue her interest in psychology when she interned as a research assistant at the University of Wyoming, helping conduct studies into depression.

“Being an Elks scholar is a truly humbling and incredible experience,” says Savannah. “I can’t wait to involve myself in service projects at my local Lodge so I can give back to the community that has supported me.”

A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Elks National Foundation helps Elks build stronger communities through programs that support youth, serve veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work. 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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