Tarryn Hill, a 2020 Legacy scholar sponsored by Des Moines, Iowa, Lodge No. 98, is more than familiar with the values of the Elks: She grew up around them every day. Her grandfather, Jack, was a member of the Order for 50 years, and brought his children and grandchildren to the Lodge nearly every Friday night.

“The Elks Lodge was the first true community I knew, it was almost like a second home,” says Hill. “Laughter was shared over a large meat lover's pizza, onion rings, and Shirley Temples (with extra cherries), trying to sneak a peek at grandma’s hand of cards.”

Hill’s involvement with the Des Moines Lodge wasn’t limited to good food and fun times; it grew into a dedication to service. She volunteered at Lodge events by setting up tables, serving food, and bussing tables—anything she could do to lend a helping hand.

“As I got older, my involvement with the Lodge increased,” says Hill. “I went from being the young girl running around playing games to someone who wanted to help in any way I could. Service to others was deeply ingrained in the culture of our Lodge, and therefore, into me.”

When she was a senior in high school, Hill received a Legacy Award, a scholarship exclusive to the children or grandchildren of Elks. This scholarship allowed Hill to see a different side of the Elks. It connected her to the vast and supportive network of Elks scholars and the many opportunities this network provides, including Elks Scholar Service Trips. Offered three times per year, these trips give Elks scholars the opportunity to learn about innovative social impact initiatives, bring the powerful lessons they learned back to their hometowns, and connect with other Elks scholars from across the country.

“When given the opportunity to partake in my first service trip to Tampa, Florida, I signed up immediately,” says Hill. “From the start of the trip, I was inspired by the high caliber of students in the room, not only some of the most intelligent peers I have ever met, but also the most kind-hearted and hard-working.”

Hill enjoyed the trip so much that she attended one in the following year to Phoenix, and another to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2025. All three of these Elks Scholar Service Trips proved to be life changing.

“I learned a lot about myself on these trips through the conversations I had with others and the service work we did in various communities around the country,” says Hill, a 2024 University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduate. “These lessons have been integral to my development as a person and are ones I carry with me in my daily life.”

With the Weigel scholarship, Hill will attend Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana to study emergency medicine. As she continues in her career, Hill will always seek to make her #ElksFamily proud.

“Growing up within the Elks community has given me a deep understanding of what it means to be an Elk,” says Hill. “There is truly something special about being part of an organization that has supported me through every phase in life.”