Elks National Foundation to Award $3.6 Million in College Scholarships

CHICAGO, April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Elks National Foundation is pleased to welcome the class of 2011 Most Valuable Student and Legacy Awards scholars into the Elks community. These 750 students were selected for these prestigious college scholarships based on their outstanding academic records and ongoing dedication to service.

In 2011, the ENF awarded 500 Most Valuable Student scholarships, ranging from $4,000 to $60,000, and 250 Legacy Awards of $4,000 each.

"To be one of the top students nationwide, and receive an $8,000 Most Valuable Student scholarship is beyond belief," exclaimed Samuel A. Hofacker from Cumberland, Md. "This award is immensely helpful to my family and me." Samuel's scholarship will allow him to major in chemistry at Duke University.

This year's top MVS winners, who will each receive a $60,000 college scholarship, are Christina Lulich from Sevierville, Tenn., and Chyi-Dean Shu of Santa Ana, Calif. Christina's award enables her to pursue her dream of becoming an architect by attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Thanks to Dean's scholarship, he can now study economics at the top-ranked U.S. school of his choice.

The complete list of 2011 scholarship winners is available online at www.elks.org/enf/scholars.

Each year, the ENF provides more than $3.6 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 Lodge. Applicants are judged based on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Legacy Awards are available online 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 2012 Most Valuable Student scholarship and Legacy Awards contests will be available September 1, 2011. 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

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