Elks National Foundation Blog

Michael Maley 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Des Plaines, Ill., Lodge No. 1526   As an economics major at Washington University, Michael will learn about smart investments. Watch as he thanks the Elks for investing in his future through his MVS scholarship .

Ian Ludden 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Brandon, Fla., Lodge No. 2383 We asked Ian, “What does your MVS Scholarship mean to you?” “My MVS Scholarship allows me to run on the cross-country team and continue my musical interests without financial stress.” Ian will be on the cross-country team at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terra Haute, Ind. When he’s not running or practicing his cello, Ian will be hard at work studying computer engineering.

Tonita Britt 2013 Legacy Awards recipient Sponsored by Baker, Ore., Lodge No. 338 The Elks have always been an important part of Tonita’s life. Now, they continue to support her as she goes to Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. next year. See why else Tonita is thankful for her Legacy Award :

Pooja Nanjannavar 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Richmond, Va., Lodge No. 45 Pooja will be attending the University of Virginia to major in chemical and environmental engineering. Check out why she’s thankful for her MVS scholarship :

Connor Brady 2013 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Bakersfield, Calif., Lodge No. 266 Connor—who is attending the University of California, Berkeley in the fall—is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, an Elk and UC Berkeley alum. Check out what Connor had to say about his Legacy Awards scholarship:

Melia Bernal 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by San Clemente, Calif., Lodge No. 2068 Melia is a member of a dance group that expresses feelings through movement. Here, she expresses her feelings toward the Elks for her MVS Scholarship . “My education would not be possible without the generous support of the Elks,” says Melia. “Thank you for enabling me to work toward my goals and give back to my community.” Melia will be able to spread her kindness to others as she majors in global affairs at Yale University.

Austin Williams 2013 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Wallingford, Conn., Lodge No. 1465 Being an Elk is a family tradition that goes back all the way to Austin’s great-grandfather. Now, he is proud to join the Elks family as well. Check out why Austin is thankful for his Legacy Awards scholarship to help him attend the University of Connecticut:

Matthew Ramos 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Carmichael, Calif., Lodge No. 2103 Thanks to the Elks, Matthew will be able to easily navigate the waters of his future. “This scholarship has helped me to reflect on who I am and how I will succeed in the future,” says Matthew. “Helping others and serving my community is a goal that my MVS scholarship will help me achieve.” With determination, a charitable heart, and support from the Elks National Foundation, there is no doubt Matthew will succeed. Next year, he’ll be attending California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif. to study engineering. In 2013-14, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.44 million to fund 500 four-year Most Valuable Student Scholarships, which now feature 20 top awards of at least $20,000. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars .

Casey Coffey 2013 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Jupiter, Fla., Lodge No. 2469 Thanks to her Legacy Award , Casey will be attending her dream school, the University of Florida. Here’s what Casey had to say about her scholarship:

Lydia Ham 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by St. Johnsbury, Vt., Lodge No. 1343 Lydia and the Elks National Foundation make beautiful music together! “I’m so excited to go to college and focus on what I love to do—make music and figure out how it works,” says Lydia. “My MVS scholarship will help me do that.” As a music education major at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., Lydia’s love for music will continue long into the future as she inspires musical talent in her students.

James Keckley 2013 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Joplin, Mo., Lodge No. 501 James hits the all the right notes! Next year, he’ll be attending St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. to study opera. See what he has to say about his Legacy Award :

Nick Balardi 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Chico, Calif., Lodge No. 423 Nick shouts from the mountaintop how thankful he is for the Elks and his MVS scholarship . “I’m so impressed by the Elks and their activities,” exclaims Nick. “It’s such a great organization with members who truly want to make their communities better in every way.” Nick knows the value of fresh air and good exercise—he’ll be studying biology and nutrition next year.