Elks National Foundation Featured Scholars

Shooting Hoops with the Elks Scholar Advisory Board

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:43:44 +0500

On April 28, three members of the Elks Scholar Advisory Board attended the Elks National Hoop Shoot Finals in Springfield, Mass. Read on to learn more about the weekend!

Listen Up!

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:33:31 +0500

Read about three Elks Scholars who are using their scholarship to expand their musical talents. Listen to samples of their work!

Starting off on the Right Foot

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:45:53 +0500

Read how 2006 MVS scholar Rory Nicolaides used her 2011 ENF Cornerstone Grant to give girls a strong, smart and bold start.

Elks Scholars Leap into Elkdom

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:13:02 +0500

As Elks scholars learn about all the good work the Elks do for communities, many want to be more involved. Read why these three Elks scholars took the leap into Elkdom.

Paying it Forward

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:17:26 +0500

Read how Elks scholar Jessica Biekert is using her ENF Cornerstone Grant to help children who have lost a parent—something she can identify with.

A Golden Get-together

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:54:01 +0500

Elks scholars in the Denver area met up at Golden, Colo., Lodge No. 2740. They got to see an Elks Lodge in action while also getting to know one another better.

A Bright Future

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:20:03 +0500

Despite hardships in their past, Elks scholars Lindsay and Lucas Raiche are now excelling in college with the help of their Emergency Educational Grants and looking forward to a bright future. Read their story, and watch a video of their full interview.

The Music Man

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:47:59 +0500

Read how Elks scholar Robert Rossman is using his musical talents to record and release a full lenth album.

The Elks Scholar Experience

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:04:19 +0500

Jeanie Nguyen received a 2010 Most Valuable Student scholarship and headed east to study at Harvard University where she helped form an Elks scholar community. Read about her Elks scholar experience so far.

Going for the Gold(en Snitch)

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:46:34 +0500

Read how Elks scholar Rob Rankin turned his love of the magical Harry Potter book series into a real hobby by founding the Florida Quidditch Association.

The Elks Run Deep

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:58:11 +0500

Read how 2002 Legacy Award recipient Jacqueline Patterson is giving back to her community through service as an Elks member.

Elks Scholars Give Thanks

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:55:21 +0500

This Thanksgiving season, Elks scholars are giving thanks for their ENF scholarships.

Running for a Reason

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:11:06 +0500

Read how 2009 MVS scholar Susan Gogniat uses her passion for running to benefit children.

A Poignant Memory

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:52:14 +0500

2007 top MVS winner Cort Van Ostran accomplished a lot in his four years at Harvard, but his recent graduation provided him with the most poignant memory of all. Read Cort’s reflection about how his graduation week was a time of both sadness and celebration—and how the Elks were there to help.

Elks Scholar Walks the Talk

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:03:55 +0500

Read how 2010 Elks scholar Sean Pringle is making the most of Elks scholar opportunities by connecting with other Elks scholars and his local Elks Lodge.

From a Freshman to a Senior

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:14:54 +0500

Read how 2007 top MVS winner Cort Van Ostran spent his final weeks as a student at Harvard University. Then, read how 2011 top MVS winner Christina Lulich spent her first week of college at the University of Tennessee.

Building Communities

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:56:46 +0500

Read how 2008 MVS scholar Josh Singsank is living out his motto that a successful contractor must give back to the community.

Spreading the Word

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:45:19 +0500

Read how 2006 Legacy scholar Erika Barger is spreading the word about ENF scholarships in her community as her Lodge's Scholarship Chair.

Riding into a Greener Future

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:47:21 +0500

Read how 2007 MVS scholar Michael Dickerson is making a difference in the world through one of his own passions: biking.

Fun in the Desert Sun

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:47:29 +0500

The 2011 Elks Scholar Advisory Board held its annual meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. this July. Read on for all the details.

Snowmobile Challenge: Accepted

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:18:09 +0500

Read how 2008 MVS scholar Neil Miller is using his talents as an engineer to make the best 'clean' snowmobile.

Putting His Best Foot Forward

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:58:15 +0500

2011 Alum of the Year Jimmy Tomczak is using his entrepreneurial talents for good. Read how he promotes sustainable decisions while also bringing hope to a city he loves.

Speaking From the Heart

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:16:23 +0500

Recently, Elks scholars Vicky Chen and Megan Spencer attended the Provo, Utah, Lodge No. 849 to express their gratitude to Elks for the scholarships they received in 2008. Read on to hear what they had to say.

Picture Perfect

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:39:47 +0500

2011 top MVS winner Dean Shu is pursuing his passion for photography and service as he heads to Harvard. Read on for his story.

Home is Where the Heart is

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:25:31 +0500

Read how 2011 top MVS winner Christina Lulich devotes her life to her family and her studies.

The Spirit of Giving Back

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:21:58 +0500

We are pleased to announce the 2011 Gunther & Lee Weigel Medical School Scholarship recipient, 2006 MVS scholar Rory Nicolaides. Read on for her story.

At the Hoop Shoot with the Elks Scholar Advisory Board

Tue, 24 May 2011 10:06:27 +0500

Read about these Elks scholars' experience at the 2011 National Hoop Shoot Finals in Springfield, Mass.

A Note of Thanks

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:24:01 +0500

Read this wonderful thank you note we received that stood out because of the special link this mother and daughter have to the Most Valuable Student scholarship.

Climbing the Mountain

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:51:51 +0500

Living in California’s High Sierra mountains may not be the conventional idea of studying abroad. But this is exactly what 2010 MVS scholar Abbi Mleziva is doing this semester. Read on for her story.

Smile for the Camera

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:51:54 +0500

Read how Olivia Blinn, a 2010 MVS scholar at Biola University, created a stop-motion video about her journey to college.

Fire Fighting Scholar

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:09:04 +0500

Bessie Harp, a 2007 MVS Scholar, juggles school, family, hobbies and even finds time to fight fires in her community!

Caring For All

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:40:51 +0500

With her 2010 Cornerstone Grant, 2009 MVS scholar Ashlee Kephart made a difference in the Twin Cities area.

Here She Comes, Miss Seattle

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:32:55 +0500

Lauren Kuhn, a 2009 Legacy Award recipient, won the title of Miss Seattle in 2010. Since then she has been busy raising awareness of local causes.

A One-Way Ticket to Success

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:22:18 +0500

After graduating from college, 2003 MVS scholar Hilary Corna packed her belongings and moved to Singapore to work at Toyota, where she gained important cultural and work experiences that she now shares with young professionals throughout the U.S.

Breaking Through to a Cure

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:07:14 +0500

Read how Elks scholar Chandlar Smith has turned her family's hardship into an opportunity for growth.

Living in the Moment

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:56:31 +0500

Brody Leven, a 2006 Most Valuable Student scholarship recipient sponsored by Willoughby-Cleveland, Ohio, Lodge No. 18, recently graduated from Westminster College. Read about his adventures in college and beyond!

Dinner with the Elks Family

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:11:30 +0500

Nothing says family like a shared meal! In late October, ENF staff members had the privilege of joining nine Elks scholars and six ENF supporters for a delicious dinner.

If it’s newsworthy, he’s there

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:17:25 +0500

It’s been one year since 2002 MVS scholar Peter Daut, a TV reporter on the Fox station in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, filmed his Emmy winning report on the shootings on the military base in Fort Hood.

Building the Future

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:04:19 +0500

Read how these three Elks scholars are using their architecture majors to make a difference.

A Magical Meeting

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:24:26 +0500

For Jim Vecchio of La Habra, Calif., Lodge No. 2095 and 2009 MVS scholarship recipient Clara Ritger, the Grand Lodge Convention in Orlando was an especially magical place.

Creating an Elks Legacy

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:00:51 +0500

2004 Legacy Awards recipient David Mullins always knew he would become an Elk. Read how David balances medical school with volunteering with his Lodge.

A Guiding Light

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:35:18 +0500

When Blake Michaels and his University of Pennsylvania peer advisor Stefan Sabo met, they learned they had more in common than their major. Both are also Most Valuable Student scholars!

He Writes the Songs That Make the Whole World Sing

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:19:56 +0500

Just like Barry Manilow, 2009 MVS scholar Barry Harris is going far with his song-writing and piano-playing abilities. Read Barry's story, and watch a video of him performing!

Going the Distance

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:13:55 +0500

What started out as marathon training in South Africa, turned into much more for 2005 MVS scholar Grace Lim. Read on for Grace's inspirational story.

Saving Soles, One Shoe at a Time

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:30:36 +0500

Read how 2006 MVS scholar Jimmy Tomczak’s invention, Paper Feet, is saving both your soles and the environment!

Advocating for All

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:15:29 +0500

2010 Elks Alum of the Year Katie Chambers makes each day meaningful by serving others. Read how having a child with disabilities led her to dedicate her life to advocating for children with special needs.

A Long Way from Home

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:08:29 +0500

2010 MVS top winner Jenny Van can’t wait to broaden her horizons at MIT. Read on for Jenny’s inspirational story.

The Invention of Service

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:04:46 +0500

Read how 2010 MVS top winner Bryan Dongre is dedicating his life to service.

Cooking Up Healthy Habits

Wed, 26 May 2010 14:42:57 +0500

Read how Sean DeMartino, a 2010 MVS scholar, has made it his mission to educate teens on how to eat right and cook for themselves. Be sure to watch the videos of Sean on the Rachel Ray Show!

Helping others follow in her path

Tue, 11 May 2010 09:15:20 +0500

Most Valuable Student scholar Lin Yang has spent four years using her talents to help others. Now that it’s time to graduate, she isn’t stopping. Read on for details on Lin's accomplishments!

Ready, Set….Serve!

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:34:38 +0500

Elks Scholars across the country are gearing up to clean up their communities and participate in the 2010 Elks Scholar Week of Service from April 18-24, 2010. Read about what some campus leaders are planning.

Most Valuable Roommates

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:33:31 +0500

Georgetown sophomores Kevin Baird and R.J. Barthelmes share more than a room. They are both 2008 Most Valuable Student scholars! Read on for their story.

An Ounce of Prevention

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:23 +0500

Read how 2009 ENF Cornerstone Grant recipient, Angela Suen, used her grant to promote dental health in rural El Salvador.

A Change of Home, Not a Change of Heart

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:43:14 +0500

Read about 2009 Most Valuable Student scholar Vicki Peng's dedication to her community.

Heave Ho!

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:35:58 +0500

Read about ENF Legacy Award winner Frank Vita’s life on board the Liberty Star.

Elks Scholar Speakers Kick-Off 2010

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:03:40 +0500

With 2010 under way, Elks scholar speakers are showing gratitude for their scholarships by visiting Lodges to share their college stories. Make it your New Year’s resolution to speak at the Lodge near you.

Kari Cares

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:58:24 +0500

Read how Emergency Educational Grant recipient Kari Massar has dedicated her life to caring for others.

A Winning Team

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:55:55 +0500

Homecoming takes on a new meaning for 2009 MVS scholar Craig Tripp and his Elks National Foundation Named Scholarship Sponsor Richard Harris.

ENF Scholars in the Game

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:12:20 +0500

The ENF Scholar Advisory Board met in Chicago for their first annual Board meeting over the weekend of September 11, 2009. To kickoff the meeting, the Scholar Advisory Board and ENF staff participated in the September 11 National Day of Service.

West Virginia’s Whiz Kid

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:39:31 +0500

2007 Most Valuable Student Kelydra Welcker was destined for scientific greatness. Read on to learn more about this whiz kid!

Of Service and Statutes

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:32:56 +0500

2009 Top Male Most Valuable Student Scholar John Steinbach is off to Stanford to study history and continue serving his community.

Oh the Places She'll Go

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:29:11 +0500

2009 Top Female Most Valuable Student Gergana Kostadinova will one day help solve the world's problems.

ENF Alumnus of the Year: Christina Vuocolo

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:38:01 +0500

Read how Christina Vuocolo's commitment to volunteering led her to become the 2009-10 ENF Alumnus of the Year!

Stanford Tran a Stanford Grad

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:53:39 +0500

Stan Tran, the 2005 Most Valuable Student runner-up, recently returned to his sponsoring Lodge, Santa Clara Lodge No. 2347, to express his gratitude.

The Buzz on Buzzy

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:05:05 +0500

1998 Most Valuable Student, Buzzy Nielsen, devotes each day to bettering his community.

A Note from Erika Barger

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:44:40 +0500

Read this note from 2006 Legacy Award winner, Erika Barger.

ENF Scholar Speaker: Vanessa Seals

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:14:16 +0500

Vanessa Seals talks about how her Most Valuable Student Scholarship is helping her fulfill her dream of a college degree.

Good Morning, Alaska!

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:58:29 +0500

Start your day with 2004 Most Valuable Student Danielle Sylvester, the morning show DJ for KNOM radio in western Alaska.

ENF Scholar Speaker: Jayme Mattson

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:46:34 +0500

2008 Legacy Award winner, Jayme Mattson, spoke to the Clinton, Mo., Elks Lodge about life as an ENF scholar.

Paging the Future Dr. Dempsey

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:14:46 +0500

After spending ten weeks volunteering in a Nicaraguan hospital, no task is too daunting for 2007 Legacy Award winner, Kyle Dempsey.

Life as a Fourth Generation Elk

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:19:17 +0500

Read how Erika Barger, a 2006 Legacy Award recipient, became a proud member of her hometown Elks Lodge in Ormond Beach, Fla.

A Legacy of Service

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:32:40 +0500

Read how 2008 Legacy Award recipient Erin Seivley has taken on her grandfather's commitment to service.

ENF Scholar Speaker: Prano Hiremath

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:16:17 +0500

Read more about Prano's speech to attendees of the Washington State Elks Winter Convention about life as a Most Valuable Student scholar.

Leading by Example

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:36:17 +0500

Read how EEG recipient Kari Renzelman follows in her father's footsteps by serving her community.

Reporting on Lamothe

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:20:58 +0500

Journalist and 2000 Most Valuable Student Dan Lamothe always has a story to tell.

Hiking for Lung Health

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:36:27 +0500

After her father's death, 2006 Most Valuable Student Amanda Nigro has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of sarcoidosis.

Born to Teach

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:49:20 +0500

ENF Scholar Meghan Taggart's dreams of teaching are coming true.

Finding a Cure

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:29:08 +0500

2007 Most Valuable Student Anthony Schuller's research brings us one step closer to finding a cure for cancer.

Touch Down!

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:04:59 +0500

2007 Most Valuable Student Michael McMahon meets his named scholar sponsor, Jim McQuillan, a past national president of the Elks, at a Notre Dame football game.

A New Chapter

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:09:34 +0500

Read how 2008 Most Valuable Student Kyle Baldwin spreads the joy of reading to less fortunate children.

The Gift that Gives Back

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:27:35 +0500

2004 Most Valuable Student Scholar Alma Moedano recently became the first in her family to earn a college degree. Read about Alma's road to graduation, and find out where she is today!

A Peek at Zeke

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:30:26 +0500

Despite growing up in poverty and the loss of his father, EEG recipient Matthew "Zeke" Hughes has an amazing outlook on life. Read on to learn about the many accomplishments of this Boston College alum.

Scholar Feels at Home while Teaching Abroad

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:14:02 +0500

2001 MVS winner Jeremy Staley taught sixth grade in the Marshall Islands for a year. In this Q&A he shares with us his experience and how the ENF helped him get there.

MVS Recipient Makes Musical Mark

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 09:13:02 +0500

Liz Carlisle released a major studio album and spoke at Harvard's spring commencement ceremony. What will this top scholar accomplish next?!

A Heart to Heart with Most Valuable Student Alum

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 09:08:43 +0500

In January of 1987, Kelsey Holec's younger brother Ben was born with transposition of the great arteries. This cardiac defect required an inundation of doctors' visits, cardiac procedures, and ultimately surgery. Almost 20 years later, Kelsey graduated from St. Olaf College with a major in biology and one goal in mind: to become a pediatric cardiologist.

Scholar Sets Sights on Sydney

Wed, 10 May 2006 15:16:12 +0500

Who is receiving top honors from the University of Miami, traveling the world and participating in numerous volunteer programs? Matthew Gill, of course! Read all about this extraordinary Most Valuable Student scholarship recipient and his plans after graduation this May.

Leah's Life Lessons

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 09:36:11 +0500

When you think of the typical college student, what comes to mind? Traveling the world; visiting orphanages; changing children's lives each day? We didn't think so. Read all about Leah Schrader, an exceptional Most Valuable Student scholarship recipient, and how she makes a difference each and every day.

DeVoe On-the-Go

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 14:09:45 +0500

With her jam-packed schedule of school, music, volunteering and pageants; Christina DeVoe does not lead the typical college life. Read all about this Most Valuable Student recipient's newest endeavors as a sophomore at Loyola University Chicago.

A Check-Up with Jacob Schaff

Tue, 22 Nov 2005 11:47:45 +0500

Most Valuable Student recipient and doctor-to-be, Jacob Schaff, makes the most of his junior year at Vanderbilt University by volunteering, interning and studying abroad.

MVS Recipient Scores a Hole-In-One

Mon, 17 Oct 2005 11:08:58 +0500

Kristin Lynch, a 2001 Most Valuable Student recipient from Santa Margarita, Calif., gives an update on where her Princeton education has taken her since graduation.