Congratulations to Ross Beppler (from Atlanta-Northlake Lodge #78), Madison Bunch (from Calhoun Lodge #1883) and Kaitlyn Groover (from Savannah Lodge #183) for achieving the highest Georgia Elks scholarship honors. They are the three Georgia Elks Association “Most Valuable Student” state winners who were honored June 19, 2000, at the GEA State Convention on Jekyll Island.

Numerous applications were submitted from all over the state of Georgia for this prestigious award and after rigorous competition, these three state winners were awarded Georgia Elks Association plaques and $2000 each for their winning competition. They will go on to receive another $4,000 at the Elks Grand Lodge level, $1000 for each year in college.

Each year the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks sends out scholarship applications all over the nation to high school seniors so that they may have the opportunity to gain financial assistance for their future educational endeavors. Currently, the Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.64 million in college scholarships each year though its scholarship programs. These applications include the “Most Valuable Student” application (judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need), the ENF Legacy Award Application (for children or grandchildren of Elks) and the Emergency Educational Grant Application (for children 0f deceased or totally disabled Elks)

Applications for the Elks National Foundation 2011 Scholarships are available September 1, 2010 online ( Elks.org ), at your local Elks Lodge, or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Elks National Foundation (2750 N. Lakeview Ave. Chicago, IL 60614-2256).