The Maine Elks Association (MEA) has announced the winners of the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarships (MVS) for 2007.
Seven high school seniors from across the state of Maine were awarded four-year scholarships of $1,000 each year, made possible through the Elks National Foundation (ENF). These students also qualified to compete at the national level, with the potential of receiving a four-year scholarship of $60,000. Receiving the MVS $1000 Four-Year Scholarships are: Molly M. Lincoln, sponsored by Brunswick Elks Lodge 2043; Kenneth M. Maher, sponsored by Lewiston Elks Lodge 371; Sindbad S. Fennimore, sponsored by Rockland Elks Lodge 1008; Nicolas J. Guerrette, sponsored by the Brunswick Elks Lodge 2043; Ashley E. Zibura, sponsored by Augusta Elks Lodge 964; Nicholas L. Hubbard, sponsored by the Bangor Elks Lodge 244; and Kaitlynn M. Saldanha, sponsored by the Portland Elks Lodge 188.
The Dr. Leonard Bristol and Virginia Bristol Awards for the top male and female applicants were announced. The winners were Kenneth M. Maher and Molly M. Lincoln.
In addition to the state winners, several district winners were also announced. Winners will each receive $2,000 1-year scholarships.
The Northern District winner was Kassie Lovely, sponsored by Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954.
In addition, the State Association will distribute at total of $18,000 dollars, or $900 to each lodge winner. Aroostook County winners included: Curtis Libby, Houlton Elks Lodge 835; and Briana White, Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954.
This year, the Maine Elks Association and its 22 member lodges awarded over $143,000 in scholarships to deserving students from across Maine. Many of these scholarships are funded through the Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
Since 1931, the B.P.O. Elks have awarded scholarships to deserving young men and women across the country.
The Elks nationwide annually award more than $3.4 million in scholarships. Scholarships are made available through several programs including the MVS Scholarship program, BSA Eagle Scout Scholarships, Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarships, Legacy Scholarships available to children and grandchildren of Elks, as well as Emergency Education Funding Grants.
The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit organization consisting of 22 lodges and 12,000 members in Maine.
The association provides support programs in areas such as Americanism, Scholarships, Drug Awareness, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot and Veterans/National Service.
For more information on Elk scholarships, or the Elks and their programs, visit maineelks.org or visit your local Elks Lodge.