Skip to main content

Lights, Camera, Hoop Shoot!


It's not easy keeping track of 25 free throws! Good thing
Elks scholars Macy and Isaac attended
the Region 8 Hoop Shoot contest to help out!

As I write this, I am at a student affairs conference in New Orleans, or as I like to refer to it, “Nawlins.”  I have a bit of a break today before attending more workshops, so I am taking some time to reflect on all my adventures over this past month. Naturally my thoughts have wandered to the Elks since my previous time in New Orleans was spent at the 2014 Elks Grand Lodge Convention going on haunted ghost tours, sharing my experiences as an Elks scholar, eating substantial amounts of gumbo and jambalaya, and doing my favorite Convention activity—challenging people to free throw competitions at the Hoop Shoot booth.  

The Elks Hoop Shoot competition has held a special place in my heart over these past few years, and this past month has been no different. I have had the opportunity to be involved with various activities centered around the Hoop Shoot during March. It started off with my interview for episode 7 of the Midday with the ENF podcast. ENF staff members Jim, Debbie, and Anne were all on air with me as we discussed my experiences with the Hoop Shoot and how I was preparing to attend the National Finals for the fourth year in the row. It is always a good time with the four of us involved, and this conversation was no different. Feel free to listen in to that episode here!

A day after being featured on Midday, I left for Denver with some of my fellow Kansas Elks to attend the Region 8 Hoop Shoot. Seven hours and a few antelope sightings later, we arrived. From the introductory pizza party to the ending awards banquet, the weekend was full of excitement. I especially loved attending the actual Hoop Shoot competition, watching six amazing contestants (three from Kansas...woohoo!) qualify for the National Finals. I had the opportunity to serve as a scorekeeper on the girls’ side of the competition alongside my fellow Elks scholar, Isaac Baldwin, who is originally from Kansas as well. Let me tell you, counting to 25 is not always easy when keeping score at a Hoop Shoot contest, but thankfully we Elks scholars made it happen. 

One of my greatest memories from the Region 8 Hoop Shoot was the awards banquet held at the conclusion of the weekend. As I took a seat at my table, I realized that there were two Getty Powell award winners sitting on either side of me—Tommi Olson and Taylor Robertson. Both of these former Hoop Shoot contestants are now playing basketball in high school and continuing to work hard to achieve their dreams. Even better, they both served as rebounders for that weekend’s contest! Shout out to these gals for not only inspiring me but for also giving me reasons to smile and laugh throughout the banquet.

A short 24 hours after arriving back in Manhattan, Kansas, I was under the lights and looking good for the camera as I debuted in my acting career. That might be a bit dramatic, but I actually was filmed for this year’s Hoop Shoot film. It was a wonderful experience getting to show people what my everyday life at Kansas State University is like and share why I am so passionate about the Hoop Shoot program. There were also a few funny moments that occurred that might have included me tripping, the wind blowing my scarf into my face, and some messed up words in my interview answers. If you are ever in need of some comic relief, feel free to ask the ENF for the blooper reel!
Overall, the past month has been a whirlwind with many great Hoop Shoot related experiences. I am so thankful to be a part of this organization and cannot wait for many more great memories. Now starts the countdown for the National Finals! See you soon, Springfield!

Macy Warburton
2010 Most Valuable Student Scholar and Elks Scholar Advisory Board Member
Member of Junction City, Kan., Lodge No. 1037
 
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. Through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Foundation offers youth the opportunity to engage in healthy competition, connect with their families and community, and succeed both on and off the court. In 2015-16, the ENF allocated $924,070 to fund this program, which includes the exciting addition of a Hoop Shoot app for contestants. For videos, news from the court, and more information about the Hoop Shoot, visit
www.elks.org/hoopshoot.
 

Comments

Labels

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

Seizing Every Opportunity

Reflections from the SAB President By Kat Nakamura 2019 MVS Scholar Hi, Elks Family! I’m Kat Nakamura, a 2019 MVS Scholar currently serving as the president of the Scholar Advisory Board. My time with the Elks has been a transformative experience, not only providing me with financial support for my education but opening the door to a nurturing community of like-minded individuals and remarkable opportunities. My journey began when I applied for the Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship, and little did I know it was just the beginning of a life-changing adventure. Months later, my mom encouraged me to apply to join the Scholar Advisory Board. Initially hesitant, I thought there was no chance of being accepted. Little did I realize that this decision would lead me to one of my most cherished experiences throughout college. The Scholar Advisory Board are the representatives that advise the ENF on scholar relations. Apart from being on the board, members attend the Elks National Conve

Finding a Place in the #ElksFamily

by Aleah Hahn, Most Valuable Student Scholar Aleah Hahn received a second place Most Valuable Student scholarship in 2018. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2021 with degrees in Biosystem Engineering and German. She is pursuing her master’s degree in Marine Resource Management at Oregon State. In her free time, she likes to cycle, forage and hike. Over my spring break I was able to partake in the 2022 Spring Elks Scholar Service Trip in Chicago! In 2018, I attended the 150 for 150 Service Trip in San Antonio, where we celebrated the Elks 150th anniversary through service. Both were amazing experiences to serve in the name of the Elks. They were alike but also different in many ways.  In San Antonio, I connected with Elks state leadership from my home state of Michigan since the trip was at the Elks National Convention!  I served with 149 other scholars and met many of them. It was a great opportunity to connect with other scholars. The majority of our service was at Haven

The Experience Was a Revelation

by Garrett Schumacher 2011 Legacy Scholar, University of Colorado-Boulder   Prior to this trip of service in Chicago, I had always admired the individuals who gave of their time and talents with the purpose of bettering someone else’s life. I wanted to be like them but for the wrong, selfish reasons. After feeling inadequate in this regard for some time, I decided to take the leap and apply for the opportunity that only an incredible organization could provide. My background with the Elks has shown me that they are a communal group that profoundly affects the lives of many people on a national scale every day; being one of those people through scholarships, I felt I owed something to the F oundation and the people they serve. The experience was a revelation for me. I am a proud member of the Elks family and will continue my work and participation in the organization. I did not owe anyone anything other than gratitude, and I could give of myself for the sole purpose of be