Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the big ideas the Elks Scholar Advisory Board discussed at its annual meeting during the Elks National Convention in Austin. The Board met to review Elks scholar opportunities and discover new ways to get Elks scholars involved with the Elks.

“What a great weekend in Austin at the Elks National Convention!” says Macy Warburton, Elks Scholar Advisory Board at-large representative. “I loved being able to see members of the Elks, the Elks National Foundation and the Scholar Advisory Board. I am blessed to call you my Elks Family.”

After arriving in the Lone Star State on Friday, the Scholar Advisory Board shared a meal with the Elks National Foundation Board of Trustees. The two Boards got to know each other while sharing some good old-fashioned Texas barbeque.

On Saturday, the Elks scholars met for the day to discuss successes and challenges from the previous year. Led by Board President, Clara Ritger, members discussed new ways to get Elks scholars involved with each other, local Elks Lodges, and the Elks National Foundation.

The Board had the opportunity to meet ENF supporters Saturday night at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. A highlight of the evening was Zach Vruwink receiving his 2012 Elks Alum of the Year award.

Before leaving to go back home, the Board spent time at the ENF booth in the convention center. There, they told Elks members about their scholarship experiences and spread the word about the Most Valuable Student contest, Legacy Awards and Emergency Educational Grants. They visited their respective state association booths and discovered all the ways Elks are helping to build stronger communities.

Throughout the weekend, the Elks Scholar Advisory Board members learned so much more about the Elks and how they serve their communities. The Elks Scholar Advisory Board and the Elks National Foundation are looking forward to implementing the Board’s big ideas in the year to come, and can’t wait to continue building relationships with all Elks scholars and alumni.

To enhance scholar relations and communication, the Elks Scholar Advisory Board was founded in 2009. For more information about the Elks Scholar Advisory Board, please visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars/scholaradvisoryboard.cfm.