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CHICAGO, May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, 18 high school seniors from across the country received phone calls that changed their lives. "I was thrilled to learn about my scholarship," said Mai Chi Tran of Troutdale, Ore., one of the 18 top winners in the Elks National Foundation's Most Valuable Student scholarship contest. "It will affect me not only for the next four years, but for the rest of my life."

Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge #2815 has presented scholarships to eight Northwest students. Five students earned Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Contest scholarships. Justin Haley, who attends Ironwood Ridge High School, received a $4,000 scholarship and is competing as a national finalist. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy students Victoria Johnston, Jordan Thompson and Morgan Van Stelle each received $1,000 awards for use at the college of their choice, as did Russell Smith from Canyon del Oro High School. All students were selected based upon their academic achievements and leadership skills as well as their participation in community affairs, a release said.

The Maine Elks Association (MEA) recently honored several youths from across the State of Maine as part of their 80th Annual State Convention held at the Augusta Elks Lodge. The youths were recognized as state winners of contests sponsored by the association. The awards were presented at a special banquet, attended by over 200 members, guests, and families of the recipients.

After a year off, a longtime Santa Maria Elks Rodeo tradition - the queen contest - rides back into town for 2009, when a first-time event from 2008 also will return. The 66th annual rodeo begins Friday, June 5, and ends Sunday, June 7, at the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center, east of Highway 101 at Santa Maria Way.

whiffle golf ball contest?

"The charter for Batavia Elks Lodge 950 will not be renewed and no challenge has been made to a national decision to shut the lodge down and put it up for sale, the Elks state sponsor said."

Jordyn Schara makes grown men cry. The 14-year-old feels guilty, because every time veterans read her national prize-winning essay on freedom, they break down in tears. Merle Alt, chairman of the Baraboo Elks Club's essay program, can hardly discuss Schara's piece without choking up. And he's not alone. "This essay brought everybody at the Elks convention to their knees," Alt said.