The Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student scholarship contest helps hundreds of students a year attain the dream of a college education. From more than 15,000 applicants in 2008, 500 earned a spot as national finalists. With the introduction of fourth through seventh-place awards, the Elks National Foundation awarded a total of $2.296 million in Most Valuable Student scholarships. That’s an $80,000 increase over previous years!

Donovan Barfield of Vidor, Texas, and Megan Spencer of Lodi, Calif., came out on top with first-place honors. They will each receive a $60,000 scholarship over four years. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship contest, and to see a list of all the finalists, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars/MVSwinners.cfm.

Giving His All in Excellence Donovan Barfield exudes passion. As he puts it, “I pour my heart and spirit into all the actions that I choose to undertake.” And he’s not kidding. Donovan strives for the very best with solid determination and enthusiasm, and does it all with an open mind and for the benefit of his fellow man (and woman). This young scholar dreams big, and knows what it takes to make big dreams come true–not just for himself, but for other people too.

At the top of his high school class, it’s not difficult to spot examples of Donovan’s success. He earned a perfect grade point average in high school, while also working, volunteering, and participating in plenty of challenging extra-curricular activities.

Donovan has been a member of the All-Region Band and All-Region Orchestra. As one of only 10 All-State Marimba Soloists in Texas, Donovan proves how hard work and commitment really pay off. But beyond his own success, he works as a music instructor and volunteers much of his time as an instructor for disadvantaged children in both percussion and classical piano.

“I want to make a difference both in my own life,” Donovan says, “and in the lives of those who are oppressed by nature of the circumstances into which they are born.”

Donovan inspires others to excellence as well. As captain of the Science team, for example, Donovan doesn’t settle for mediocrity. This group has achieved much under his leadership, but for Donovan, it’s not about winning. “It is the inward drive for helping mankind that is truly rewarding in the long-run,” he explains.

He Won’t Go it Alone Although his stellar achievements and bright future are the result of Donovan’s determination and ability, he had a great example to follow.

Donovan shares about his experience, “Living with a single mother who works two jobs in order to support three dependent children has taught me the infinite value of hard work,” he says. Since everyone pitched in to make ends meet, Donovan also learned the value of a helping hand. As a result, he’s committed to making life easier for the less fortunate.

His generous heart and love of science have led Donovan to his dream of studying medicine. “I believe my first and foremost purpose in life is to serve humanity through the noble discipline of medicine,” he declares. But this pursuit requires a lot of education, which, of course, is not cheap. So when Donovan found out he earned the first-place male Most Valuable Student scholarship award from the Elks National Foundation, he was ecstatic. “My mother cried tears of joy,” he says.

Education is Key “I want to be remembered as a man who truly loved to understand this world,” he says, “and as one who used his knowledge to serve others.” Donovan speaks with confidence, and praises the benefits of education with the rich language of a scholar.

It’s this drive that earned Donovan admission into Stanford University this fall, where he chose to study molecular biology in the company of top-quality intellectuals. In the long term, Donovan plans to become a neurological surgeon. Along the way, he’ll expand his learning with pursuits of music, language, research, literature and travel.

When asked the impact of winning the top MVS scholarship, Donovan gushed, “The scholarship truly has become the decisive factor in enriching my undergraduate education to the fullest. [It will] allow me to experience education in earnest, opening the doors to studying abroad and summer research programs.”

Attending Stanford and studying medicine is not just a way for Donovan to challenge his mind and nurture his interests, it’s an opportunity for him to further develop as the man of service he strives to be.

Happy Thoughts Becoming Healthy Actions Megan Spencer fills her days with activities that nurture and challenge her mind, body and soul. She in turn, gives her time and talent to the people and planet around her with a smile. Through hundreds of volunteer hours, this top female Most Valuable Student Award winner has already begun to make a positive impact in the world. With the benefit of a college education, Megan knows she can do so much more.

A Wide Range of Talent One thing’s for certain–Megan proves well-rounded. As a scholar, she excels in every subject. She earned the highest marks in her high school graduating class, and still had time to participate in several clubs and activities, like Science Club and Speech and Debate. She served as vice president of the Drama Club, through which she received honors for Best Actress and Best Director. As a Cross Country and Track and Field athlete, Megan placed first in several meets. During her freshman year, she set a new record in her league for the 800M! And the list of activities doesn’t stop there.

Because she enjoys education, and especially because it empowers her to be of greater service to others, Megan keeps it at the center of everything. In her church community, for example, Megan attended Seminary (religious education) every morning throughout high school. She excelled there too, having earned each year the Scripture Mastery in Excellence award for her superior knowledge.

Megan put her natural strength and ability as a leader to use as the President of her church youth group. In and out of school, Megan works and volunteers as a Math and Science tutor for other students. She helps them prepare for exams and memorize information with creative techniques like mnemonic devices and flash cards.

Healing the World For the last few years, Megan served as an active member of Storm Drain Detectives, a group in her home town of Lodi that monitors the quality of water in the Mokelumne River.

“The environment suffers beneath humans,” she explains, “unable to speak or act for itself.” As pollutants and human impact compromise the river’s ecosystem, Megan is there to make a difference. She volunteers to educate others in the community about caring for the environment, and even brings her passion and insight home to share with her family.

Megan’s passion for health has evolved as she recognizes the needs of humanity itself. She believes people’s lack of health and well-being are rooted in poor habits–from the food we eat, to the way we work and the activities we engage in.

“Health is not simply the ideal cholesterol level or the perfect reflexive capability.” Megan explains. “It’s a state of mind that begins with our very thoughts.” Prevention through education and a natural approach is the strategy to health Megan embraces as she begins her study of nutrition and fitness this fall at Brigham Young University in Utah.

“To raise the accessibility and productivity of natural healing,” Megan says, “I want to pattern my life as an example and gain more knowledge so as to promote ideals to everyone around me.”