Elks National Foundation Blog

by ENF Programs Coordinator Ashley Brown Pittsburgh may be known as the city of bridges and steel, but it could also be known as a city of Elks scholars, many of whom attend the city’s numerous universities. As this was my first opportunity to travel on behalf of the Elks National Foundation , I was incredibly excited to learn how to best serve our scholars to ensure their scholarships aided them in achieving their educational goals. Programs Relationship Associate Anne Stretz and I recently visited the Steel City to attend the National Scholarship Providers Association’s annual conference. While we spent the days learning how to best serve and engage our scholars, we were able to spend some time connecting with our Pittsburgh scholars over dinner at a local restaurant. I was looking forward to putting faces with names and meeting the scholars whose goals we were helping to make possible. It was an amazing opportunity to connect and learn about what they are involved in an...

By 2014 Legacy Awards Recipient and Elks Scholar Advisory Board Member Anji Radakrishnan Anji Radakrishnan, 2014 Legacy scholar and freshmen representative on the Elks Scholar Advisory Board , is giving us a glimpse into life as a college freshmen. Join her each month as she blogs about her exciting new challenges and experiences at Penn State. It’s a common notion among college students that we can only pick two of the following three things: academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Here at Penn State, like people at every other university, some pick only extracurriculars and social life, trying to enjoy themselves as much as possible in the four years that we have as undergraduates. On the other hand, some pick only academics and extracurriculars, trying to build a solid resume that will bring them future success. Finally, there are some brave souls who dare to pick all three. Since coming to college, I’ve had to make some crucial decisions. The amount of in-class ...

An Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant has helped the Elks find the right balance. Using its Beacon Grant, Blue Springs, Mo., Lodge No. 2509 partnered with a local nursing home to provide fall prevention classes for residents, helping them prevent injuries. For each therapy session, Elks set up the classroom, served as spotters, and assisted the instructor with client evaluations. Thanks to this beneficial program, residents’ balance has improved, helping them feel safer and steadier in their homes. “I tested much better at the end of the program than at the initial evaluation,” says one client. Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges the opportunity to develop an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven community project. These $2,000 grants are available to all Lodges. To find out more about Beacon Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Haley Strouf 2014 Most Valuable Student Scholar Massachusetts Institute of Technology—Bioengineering Major Sponsored by Rice Lake, Wis., Lodge No. 1441 “I pride myself on my identity as an active member of my school and community,” says Haley Strouf. Her numerous involvements from athletics to volunteering allow Haley to develop her identity as a dedicated and passionate individual, an identity she will continue to cultivate in the years ahead. In high school, Haley honed her leadership skills as the captain of her swimming, gymnastics and track teams, while also serving as vice-president for her senior class and the National Honor Society. Amid her leadership roles, Haley also cultivated a love of helping others, by volunteering as a math tutor and mentoring elementary children. As she looks forward to her future, Haley plans to continue to stay involved and assist others. After graduating and pursuing graduate school, Haley hopes to become a bio-engineer and design ...

Harrison Williams 2014 Lester and Marion Bacon Most Valuable Student Scholar   Georgia Institute of Technology—Engineering Major Sponsored by Springfield, Ill., Lodge No. 158 To excel in athletics, academics and community service, one must be dedicated. At a young age, Harrison Williams learned dedication and discipline through wrestling and translated these values into helping others. Following in his family’s footsteps, Harrison started wrestling in third grade. Through the encouragement of his coaches, Harrison became a dedicated athlete and eventually became team captain, lettered all four years, and won numerous honors at the state level. Yet his accomplishments go far beyond the wrestling mat. The discipline, ambition and dedication he learned turned into a commitment to academic excellence and serving his community. “The impact wrestling had is motivation toward community service,” says Harrison. “Once I realized how many people had helped me, I decided to pass my ...

Carly Grimes 2014 Most Valuable Student Scholar Pomona College—Environmental Analysis Major Sponsored by Venice-Nokomis, Fla., Lodge No. 1854 Elks scholars have a knack for using their passion to help others. This is certainly true for Carly Grimes, who plans to combine her passion for law and the environment to promote changes in environmental policy. In high school, Carly volunteered for Teen Court as an attorney, representing teens that had run into trouble with local law enforcement. In addition to improving her public speaking skills and developing a passion for law, Carly served as a positive role model for her peers, encouraging them to make better decisions in the future. Since middle school she has also volunteered with the Wyland Foundation, engaging communities nationwide in environmental initiatives and educating them on the importance of oceanic preservation. Because of her dedication, Carly was chosen as the first Youth Ambassador for the Planet, speaking to commun...

Jasmine Ford   2014 Legacy Awards Recipient   Gonzaga University—Nursing Major Sponsored by Tillamook, Ore., Lodge No. 1437 Jasmine Ford has a passion for building community by helping others. In between varsity track meets and organizing events for National Honor Society in high school, Jasmine found time to give back in countless ways. Every week, she volunteered for her church’s Sunday school, teaching and spending time with community children. She also worked as a soccer referee and as a youth staff member at the local YMCA. In addition, she suffered through bone chilling temperatures in Hope on the Slopes, a day-long ski marathon to benefit cancer research. “I love giving back to the community through committed volunteer work,” says Jasmine. As a college student, Jasmine eagerly jumped into volunteering by living in a service-oriented residence hall. In her first week, Jasmine volunteered to help build a hiking trail to benefit the community. She will c...

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 E...

By 2014 Legacy Awards Recipient and Elks Scholar Advisory Board Member Anji Radakrishnan   Anji Radakrishnan, 2014 Legacy scholar and freshmen representative on the Elks Scholar Advisory Board , is giving us a glimpse into life as a college freshmen. Join her each month as she blogs about her exciting new challenges and experiences at Penn State.     During this past summer, while the rest of the soon-to-be college freshman were busy hanging out with their friends and enjoying the presence of their families, I was in a small study lounge on my floor, busily typing away Biology notes, speeches, and English essays on my laptop. I attended Penn State’s summer session, a necessary component of my six year premedical-medical program through Jefferson Medical School. This summer introduced me to brand-new experiences. The most memorable of these was the 4th of July weekend.     On the 4th of July, thousands of people arrived at Beaver Stadium...

Tanner Snider 2014 Legacy Awards Recipient  Indiana University - Bloomington—Finance Major Sponsored by Vincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 After working for years on the family farm, Tanner Snider knows the meaning of hard work. Coupled with his business acumen, he will take his work ethic from the barn to the board room, as he prepares to study business and finance this fall. After college, Tanner hopes to obtain a master’s degree and work in finance before climbing the corporate ladder to become a CEO.  While his sights are on the future, Tanner knows the importance of serving others and creating a positive impact in his community today. In high school, he founded and led the Down with Depression program to advocate for depression awareness. Through many hours of fundraising and planning, Tanner spoke to thousands of students in his community about the warning signs and effects of depression and the importance of suicide prevention. Through continued advocacy in colle...