Phew! Elks National Foundation Relieves Financial Burden of College Education

CHICAGO, April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- That wasn't the wind you heard last week; it was a collective sigh of relief from the Elks National Foundation's class of 2012 Most Valuable Student and Legacy Awards scholarship recipients. These 750 students, each boasting an outstanding academic record and an ongoing commitment to service, can breathe easier knowing they've received a prestigious scholarship offered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

"Despite the excitement of getting into college, the burden of actually paying for higher education always loomed in the background," says Olivia Valdez, sponsored by Boca Raton, Fla., Lodge No. 2166. "Thanks to the Elks National Foundation's generosity, I don't have to choose my college based on finances."

In 2012, the ENF awarded 500 Most Valuable Student scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $60,000, and 250 Legacy Awards of $4,000 each.

This year's top MVS winners, who will each receive a $60,000 college scholarship, are Joanne Dynak, sponsored by Chicago Northshore, Ill., Lodge No. 1316, and David Lim, sponsored by Santa Clarita, Calif., Lodge No. 2379. Joanne's award enables her to study international law at the top-ranked U.S. school of her choice. Thanks to David's scholarship, he will be studying economics at Harvard University next fall.

The complete list of 2012 scholarship winners is available online at www.elks.org/enf/scholars.

Each year, the ENF provides $3.59 million in college scholarships. The Most Valuable Student scholarship competition invites all graduating high school seniors wishing to pursue four-year degrees on a full-time basis to apply through their local Elks Lodge. Applicants are judged based on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Legacy Awards are available to the children and grandchildren of active Elks members. Applicants must exhibit the core values of the Elks National Foundation: knowledge, charity, community and integrity.

Applications for the 2013 scholarship contests will be available September 1, 2012. For more information on ENF scholarships and to read about current Elks scholars, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars, or contact the ENF scholarship office by phone at 773/755-4732 or email at [email protected].

Helping Elks Build Stronger Communities

With nearly 900,000 members and 2,000 Lodges nationwide, Elks are providing charitable services that help build stronger communities across the United States. The Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. To learn more, visit www.elks.org/enf.

Contact: Elks National Foundation
Kristen Scaletta | Communications Specialist
2750 N. Lakeview Ave. | Chicago, IL 60614-2256
773/755-4864 | [email protected]

SOURCE Elks National Foundation