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Meet the Class of 2014 Elks Scholars

Nicolette Brannan
2014 Most Valuable Student Scholar
Stanford University—Biology Major

Sponsored by San Diego, Calif., Lodge No. 168

Just like their Elks family, Elks scholars share the values of education, community service, and having a positive impact on their communities. Nicolette Brannan is a perfect example.

She was active in high school, serving as president of the Science Olympiad and Academic League at her school, while also founding and leading a Spanish Literature Club after the AP Spanish Program was cancelled.

“I wanted to continue my studies and to allow others to continue theirs despite the elimination of the program,” says Nicolette.

Her desire to help students and promote education translated well into her community service. Each summer, Nicolette served as the volunteer ambassador for her local library’s summer reading program. She also tutored fellow students and became the tutoring coordinator for her school’s chapter of the California Scholarship Federation.

Nicolette was also active beyond the classroom, working full-time in the summer at the Law Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies where she conducted research on molecular plant biology.

With the help of her Elks family, Nicolette is attending her dream school and pursuing her interests in biology. She plans to obtain her Ph.D. and become a research professor, making contributions through research and teaching a new generation of students.

She has also been able to continue giving back despite her busy college schedule. She tutors two elementary students through Stanford’s Tutoring for Community group, where she is glad to continue the Elks’ legacy of giving back to one’s community.

“Being an Elks scholar means that I not only value education and community service but will continue to value it through my life,” says Nicolette. “I see how committed the Elks are to making a positive impact and I wish to be a part of that.”

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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