Elks offer money to scholars

Published 5:00 pm Thursday, September 19, 2002

For high school seniors eager to avoid student loans, a $60,000 Elks scholarship just may be the ticket to the college of their choice.

Each year, thousands of high school seniors nationwide vie for one of 500 Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student scholarships. The top male and female will receive $60,000 scholarships. The Foundation also awards two second-place, two third-place and 494 fourth-place scholarships of $40,000, $20,000 and $4,000, respectively.

Any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen is eligible to apply. Male and female students compete separately and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need.

Most Valuable Student contest applications are available online at www.elks.org/enf/scholars; at local Elks lodges or local high schools; or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614.

Completed applications must be turned in to the applicant’s nearest Elks lodge no later than Jan. 10, 2003. To find your sponsoring Elks Lodge, check your phone book or search online at www.elks.org/locallodges.cfm. Applicants must advance through local, district and state competitions to reach the national contest. Winners are announced around May 15, 2003.