Fairfield Elks announce scholarship opportunity

In 2011, the average tuition at a private four-year institution rose 4.4 percent, reaching $26,273, and the average cost of attending a public four-year university increased 6.5 percent.

The Elks National Foundation?s 2012 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest, which launched Thursday, aims to alleviate some of the financial burden by awarding $2.296 million to 500 college students.

Through the MVS scholarship, the Elks National Foundation will give students a chance to earn a college education without incurring insurmountable loans. The foundation awards 18 top winners scholarships ranging from $8,000 to $60,000. The remaining 482 runners-up receive $4,000 scholarships.

The scholarship is available to all high school seniors who are United States citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. Males and females compete separately, and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Completed applications must be turned in to the applicant?s nearest Elks Lodge no later than Dec. 2.

The 500 national winners will be announced in late April.

The two 2011 MVS scholarship recipients are now attending the universities of their dreams. Christina Lulich, sponsored by Gatlinburg, Tenn., Lodge No. 1925, will attend University of Tennessee. Chyi-Dean Shu, sponsored by Santa Ana, Calif., Lodge No. 794, will be attending Harvard. Each received a $60,000 scholarship from the Elks National Foundation.

Applications for the 2012 contest are available at Fairfield Lodge No. 1192, local high schools, and for download at www.elks.org/enf/scholars.

For Most Valuable Student Scholarship contest details, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars.