View all of our Videos of the Day from Convention demonstrating how Elks are building stronger communities thanks to ENF programs.
“It is worth it to add all of us to your family.”
Macy Warburton 2010 Most Valuable Student Scholar Sponsored by Winfield, Kan., Lodge No. 732
“I’ve met so many different people, and I’d really love to continue that in my life and in the lives of the other Elks scholars.”
Maryann Slater 2011 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by South Plainfield, N.J., Lodge No. 2298
“Getting involved at an earlier age with my home Lodge and establishing a connection through volunteer opportunities has really helped me to understand more about the Order and to be able to contribute with community service.”
Sean Pringle 2010 Most Valuable Student Scholar Sponsored by Oceano/Five Cities, Calif., Lodge No. 2504
“I’m a Legacy scholar. My entire family is Elks. It was in my roots, embedded in me, I’m going to be an Elk one day. Not a lot of people, especially scholars, have that same connection that I had growing up.”
Devin Noonan 2008 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Asbury Park-Wall, N.J., Lodge No. 128
“The scholarship isn’t just a gift, it’s more of an investment. It’s an investment in the future of that student. It's an investment in the future of your Lodge. It’s an investment in the future of the community.”
Sean Loosli 2003 Male Top Most Valuable Student Winner Sponsored by Provo, Utah, Lodge No. 849
“I hope that I can live up to the way that you are living your lives.”
Jesse LeBeau 2005 Most Valuable Student Scholar Sponsored by Ketchikan, Alaska, Lodge No. 1429
“It’s really good to have those personal connections. We would love to continue them, so please do continue to reach out because we’re so thankful for everything you do.”
Karsten Coates 2012 Most Valuable Student Scholar Sponsored by Northern Neck, Va., Lodge No. 2666
“I talked with 50 people about my story, about their story, and about how they give back to the Elks and I really felt at home.”
Nate Baker 2013 Most Valuable Student Scholar Sponsored by Tyrone, Pa., Lodge No. 212
“It’s definitely a great opportunity to connect with your Elks scholar whom you sponsor, and to invite them over to the Lodge and have them share their stories of their successes throughout college.”
“It’s going to take action on our part. We have to go out, we have to make this happen. And the way to do it—personal connections.”
Jim O’Kelley Director Elks National Foundation
“Seeing the level of camaraderie and support and love that this group has really opened my eyes and made me want to be a major part of the organization.”
“While you are community service-minded, and that is one of the major pillars and goals of your Lodge, you also do have the social atmosphere to offer to members that want to join.”
“The Elks are a family, and I feel like I’m a brother, a son, a grandson, a nephew to a lot of people.”
“I’ve grown all those personal connections, and that’s what has really kept me going.”
“That first mention is all we really need to build a really strong personal connection.”
“We do want to be able to give back, so it’s just important that you let us know.”
“It makes me feel good when I can see the impact that I’m making on my local community, and look out at the change I’m able to promote.”
“I’ve felt a desire to continue to give back and continue to contribute to the Elks, as well as paying it forward to other people who are in my situation.”
“The one common trait among every Elks member I have met is the fact that they truly care about me and hope I do my best—win or lose.”
Kiera Holcer 2013 Getty Powell Award Winner Sponsored by Brookfield, Mo., Lodge No. 874
“It has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. The Elks and the Hoop Shoot family have taught me much more than basketball.”
Landon Carroll 2013 Getty Powell Award Winner Sponsored by Jackson, Ohio, Lodge No. 466
“You don’t have to be fast, or big or strong. If you’re willing to put in the time it takes to master the shot, then you can compete at a high level in the Elks Hoop Shoot.”
Jim O’Kelley DirectorElks National Foundation
“I hope that my continued participation with the Elks will bring positive returns to many of you as well.”
“I am honored to be a part of the Elks family, and I cannot wait to get involved, make my own mark, and give back by impacting future generations of Elks.”
Grace Young 2013 Female Top Most Valuable Student Winner Sponsored by Hoboken, N.J., Lodge No. 74
“I am truly honored to have been chosen as one of the top MVS scholarship winners.”
Anish Athalye 2013 Male Top Most Valuable Student Winner Sponsored by Worcester, Mass., Lodge No. 243
“I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we all owe a lot to the Elks. We are so thankful for this Foundation.”
Nicholas Staffileno 2013 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Casper, Wyo., Lodge No. 1353