Each year, hundreds of Elks National Foundation scholarship recipients join the Elks family when they become Elks scholars. As they learn about all the good work the Elks do for communities, many Elks scholars want to be more involved. We asked these three Elks scholars why they took the leap into Elkdom.

Jacqueline Patterson
2002 Legacy Scholar
Howell, N.J., Lodge No. 2515

Q: Why did you join the Elks?
A: I joined the Elks to help my community. I wanted to give back to the Elks, since they helped me attend college with a Legacy Awards scholarship. Now, the Lodge gives me the opportunity to work with children, and to share with them all the opportunities that the Elks provide. It is a great way to give back to the people who helped me and my community.

Q: What activities are you involved with at the Lodge?
A: I recently transferred to a new Lodge, Howell, N.J., Lodge No. 2515, because I started a new job in September working in the Howell School District. I am a Lodge Officer and very involved in the ritual, fundraisers and the Elks National Foundation committee.

Q: What did your ENF Legacy Award mean to you?
A: It helped me achieve my goal of a college degree. The Elks had the confidence in me to make my dream of working with children with special needs come true.

Q: What would you tell other Elks scholars about joining the Elks?
A: I would tell them to join because it is a great way to give back to the people that helped you, and to give back to your community.

William Duncan Price
2009 Legacy Scholar
Arlington, Texas, Lodge No. 2114

Q: Why did you join the Elks?
A: I can’t say when I knew I was going to join the Elks, but for years I never had any doubt. Since I was young, my family and I attended holiday celebrations at the Lodge, and even helped to host a few of them. We played golf on Saturday mornings and participated in multiple Elks Flag Day ceremonies. When it was time for me to choose an Eagle Scout project, the logical choice was to give back to the Lodge that had given so much to me. Eight months and 376 work hours later, the Lodge had a renovated veterans’ memorial, which is still in use today.

The day finally came when I was able to join the Elks, and I was initiated as soon as I returned home on a break from college. I plan to continue my membership for the rest of my life. The fellowship is amazing—it’s one of the best choices I’ve made.

Q: What does your ENF Legacy Award mean to you?
A: It has been a blessing because one of my brothers was already in college, and I have another brother behind me. The scholarship has helped to reduce the cost and future debt of my college expenses.

Q: What would you tell other Elks scholars about joining the Elks?
A: First, the Elks is a prestigious organization and the members are the true embodiment of model citizens. The second reason is the people. The friendships I have gained through the Lodge are invaluable to me, and leave me with a sense of belonging. The third reason is the immediate connections to the community you have if you decide to move. Elks Lodges are all across the country, and you can get connected so much easier. The last reason I believe everyone should join the Elks is because of the Elks’ dedication to community. They give back millions of dollars to the community. It is an honor and a privilege to join the Elks.

Erika Barger
2006 Legacy Scholar
Ormond Beach, Fla., Lodge No. 2193

Q: Why did you join the Elks?
A: I was aware of the Elks presence in my community from a very young age. My father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as my brothers and uncles, were all active members of the Elks. My participation with the Elks as a teenager and my family’s involvement with our local Lodge came full circle for me. A few months after my 21st birthday, my appreciation for my Legacy Award scholarship and all it offered, led me to become a member at my hometown Lodge. I’m very pleased and proud to be a fourth-generation Elk!

Q: What activities are you involved with at the Lodge?
A: I currently serve as the chair of both the Scholarship and Government Relations committees at my Elks Lodge. For more than ten years, I have also been a volunteer at my Lodge in numerous capacities. I’ve helped deliver thousands of pieces of Drug Awareness materials to local schools, assisted with the judging of the Americanism essay contest, and I volunteer annually at my Lodge’s Children’s Christmas party for underprivileged children.

Q: What did your ENF Legacy Award mean to you?
A: My ENF scholarship permitted me to pursue a wide variety of activities at Georgetown University that otherwise would have been impossible. Becoming involved with the Elks as a member is one small way that I can give back to this wonderful organization.

Q: What would you tell other Elks scholars about joining the Elks?
A: The best part about being a member of an Elks Lodge is the sense of community that it inspires. Because Elks Lodges are located all across the country, it is easy to find a Lodge to visit or to become a member. It also is simple to transfer membership to a new location and to become quickly acquainted with local Elks. I sincerely hope that every Elks scholar will take the time to learn more about this great organization, volunteer at an Elks activity, and join the Elks after turning 21. Joining the Order is a fabulous way to begin your adult life and a great way to give back to your community and have fun doing it!

In 2011-12, the Elks National Foundation allocated $1 million to fund scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Elks. If you know an Elk child who is a high school senior, encourage them to visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars for information, including eligibility and deadlines.