Region – The Massachusetts Elks Association recently announced its 2013-2014 academic year Most Valuable Student Scholarship program sponsored by the Elks National Foundation (ENF).
Last year, Massachusetts was honored to have one of its students receive the National First Place award of $60,000. The recipient of the prestigious award was Anish Athalye through the Worcester Lodge of Elks #243. Athalye will be attending MIT in the fall.
Through the Most Valuable Student Scholarship program, established in 1933, the Elks National Foundation has helped thousands of students who need financial assistance to fulfill their dreams of attending college. MVS scholars are outstanding students who are at or near the top of their class, active in school and community activities, and recognized as leaders by their peers. Students will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need and is available to any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen.
The ENF awards $2,440,000 annually in MVS scholarships to 500 high school seniors nationwide, and 19 in Massachusetts. The first- and second-place awards are the largest scholarships provided by any major fraternal or service organization.
Massachusetts also has a total of 72 one-time $800 awards. Last year the Massachusetts Elks Association granted a total of $197,600 to graduating seniors through this program.
Applications are available beginning Sept. 1 online at www.elks.org/enf/scholars. Applications must be submitted on or before the deadline of Dec. 6 to the Elks Lodge closest to the student's permanent U.S. residence regardless of distance. The selection of winners begins at the local lodge level and continues through the district, state association, and national judging.
