Exceeding Expectations Jackson Grant, a 2002 MVS recipient, updates us on his experiences at the US Air Force Academy.

Overcoming Tragedy Erika Kelsey, an EEG recipients, talks about her college experience.

Partners in Education

A central focus of the Elks Drug Awareness program is to promote constructive and cooperative approaches to preventing the use of illicit substances by the youth of our communities. Through the Promise Grants program, many Lodges are partnering with community groups to help educate youth and their parents, while providing local youths with safe places to have fun.

“Our children exhibit an intelligent application of the knowledge of harmful drugs, alcohol and reckless driving,” said Shirley McCormick, the DARE program coordinator at the Idaho Spring, Colo., Elks Lodge, and 2003 Promise Grant participant. Sixth-grade students from two area elementary schools had just finished a 22-week drug-educational program, and were attending a graduation ceremony sponsored by the Idaho Spring Elks.

The Lodge, with the help of various community groups and Promise Grant funds, sponsored free educational classes, which sixth-grade students attended at their own discretion. The classes were held at local elementary schools with more than 480 hours of drug-related education, including the dangers of drugs and alcohol, road rage, aggressive driving and violence in general. More than 320 students attended the classes.

At the graduation ceremony, the students received a certificate of participation and a gift certificate from a local business. They were also treated to entertainment and lunch.

“We do this for the heartfelt feeling of knowing that we’ve made even the smallest contribution or difference in each child’s life,” McCormick says. “We hope that feeling never goes away!”

Financial assistance is available to Elks Lodges who plan to hold drug-free events, like the one described here, through the Promise Grants program. A pledge form for the 2004 grant program is available online at www.elks.org/enf/promisegrants.cfm. Drug-free events must be held between April 1 and November 30, 2004. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2004.