ScholarWeb: Welcome

2022 Legacy Scholar

Missouri State University

Taylor Thompson, 2022 Legacy Representative

Taylor Thompson is a 2022 Legacy scholar studying Accounting at Missouri State University. In high school, she played sports, served in student government, and co-founded a Wildlife Conservation Club. She is looking for similar ways to get involved as she adjusts to life on campus. “One of the most important things that comes with being an Elks scholar is the opportunity to impact and reach people beyond my small town’s city limits,” says Taylor. “It’s my personal goal that my service to others will reach beyond my contracted hours.”

2022 MVS Scholar

Vanderbilt University

Sponsored by San Fernando, Calif., Lodge No. 1539

Riley Chong, 2022 MVS Representative

Riley Chong is a 2022 MVS scholar attending Vanderbilt University, where he studies Medicine, Health, and Society; Economics; and Public Policy. He is passionate about providing low-income and minority communities with healthcare resources and building healthcare infrastructure. “Being an Elks scholar is about serving my community through awareness, empathy and action,” says Riley. “I have the honor of carrying out the mission of the Elks National Foundation on a daily basis.”

2023 MVS Scholar

Yale University

Sponsored by Massapequa, N.Y., Lodge No. 2162

Gloria Guerrier, 2023 MVS Representative

Gloria Guerrier is a professional at handling hurdles, both academically and in Yale's NCAA Division I Track and Field program. She is studying biomedical engineering, and she hopes to get a PhD that will allow her to combine computing and artificial intelligence with medicine. "Serving on the SAB will facilitate the progress toward my aspirations," says Guerrier, "as I am preparing for one of the major tasks of an engineer, which is working on a team and sharing ideas that function to foster positive change in the world we live in."

2023 Legacy Scholar

College of St. Scholastica

Sponsored by Eveleth, Minn., Lodge No. 1161

Brennan Muhich, 2023 Legacy Representative

Currently studying global sustainability and justice at the College of St. Scholastica, Brennan Muhich wants to attend law school to one day become a public defender so he can support the people in his community. His desire to serve others and build stronger communities has been a part of his life just as long as the Elks have. "My older brother and I often joke that we were born into Elkdom, wearing 'Future Elk' shirts before we could walk," says Muhich. "In my daily life, I try to follow the cardinal principles of the order: charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity."

2024 MVS Scholar

University of California, Berkeley

Sponsored by Marietta, Ga., Lodge No. 1657

Kalyan Piovesan Toussaint, 2024 MVS Representative

Kalyan Piovesan Toussaint is a 2024 Top 20 MVS scholar studying at the University of California, Berkeley. He is pursuing a simultaneous degree in Mechanical Engineering and Theater & Performance Studies as he seeks to blend art and science. Beyond academics, he is engaged with humanitarian engineering organizations, archery, and promoting inclusivity of clubs on his campus. "I deeply appreciate the Elks for the opportunity to learn from so many incredible peers and elders. Taking time to truly connect with the insights of others prepared and empowered me not only for college but for life," says Kalyan. "Through my continued engagement with the Elks I aim to create the same opportunity for learning, support, and self-discovery for other students."

2024 Legacy Scholar

Ball State University

Sponsored by Noblesville, Ind., Lodge No. 576

Addison McMillan, 2024 Legacy Representative

Addie McMillan has loved giving back to her community her entire life. In high school, she accumulated 1,000 volunteer hours at the Smithsonian Affiliated Conner Prairie Interactive History Museum while educating guests. While studying business administration at Ball State University, she is excited to serve alongside the #ElksFamily. "I was immensely proud of myself for winning this scholarship," says Addie. "The Elks had a big impact on my mom throughout her many years of membership. It is special being able to continue on my mom's contribution to the Elks in my own way."

2025 MVS Scholar

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Sponsored by Minneapolis, Minn., Lodge No. 44

Abigail Haldorson, 2025 MVS Representative

Abigail Haldorson leaves a lasting impact wherever she goes. In high school, she led an initiative to create an outdoor classroom to boost mental health and learning. It took four years to achieve her goal, and high schoolers will be able to enjoy the fruits of her labor for years to come. Abigail hopes to continue making a lasting impact on the SAB. “My hope is to leave a lasting impact on the community and show that Elks Scholars represent more than just achievement, but also that we embrace the opportunity to grow intellectually and personally, while contributing meaningfully to the world around us," says Abigail.

2024 Legacy Scholar

University of Virginia

Sponsored by Ocean City, Md., Lodge No. 2645

Maria Gaytan, Legacy Representative

Maria Gaytan sets goals and achieves them. After dreaming for years of becoming an EMT, she received her Emergency Medical Technician certification over the summer. In college, she hopes to continue studying to become an emergency medicine doctor. “I have seen my local Lodge go out of their way to put the needs of others in front of their own,” says Maria. “I want to be that person. I want to make and see a tangible difference in my community, creating an environment that welcomes everyone with the same amount of kindness.”

2022 MVS Scholar

St. John's University

Sponsored by Old Bridge, N.J., Lodge No. 2229

Jaya Singh, At-Large Representative

Jaya Singh joined the SAB to further develop her leadership and advocacy skills, which she hopes to use one day with a career in international law and development and in her current position as a Resident Assistant at St. John's University. "Being an Elks scholar embodies a commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement," says Jaya. "The opportunities provided through this program, such as connecting with other like-minded individuals and engaging in service projects, have enriched my understanding of how impactful collective action can be."

2024 MVS Scholar

Stanford University

Sponsored by State College, Pa., Lodge No. 1600

Claire Chi, At-Large Representative

Claire Chi is familiar with serving on boards. She previously served as a Student Representative on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, where she represented 1.8 million K-12 students and advocated for school fundings increases. Her goal is to become a national leader in public policy and communications, and she hopes to bring those skills to the SAB. “The Elks scholar network represents a community of individuals committed to making a tangible difference,” says Claire. “To be part of this tradition is both an honor and a responsibility: to serve with humility, lead with compassion, and ensure that others have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.”

2023 MVS Scholar

Arizona State University

Sponsored by Sedona, Ariz., Lodge No. 2291

Chandler Plante, At-Large Representative

Saying that Chandler Plante is involved is an understatement. Chandler is all about embracing his new community and giving back. Since becoming an Elks scholar, he has attended three Elks Scholar Service Trips. He has also planned and coordinated the Annual Camp Verde Martin Luther King Jr. March for 15 years, and he is involved in more clubs and student organizations than can fit in this box. “Since joining the Elks Family in 2023, I have been met with nothing short of welcoming people, staff, and fellow scholars alike,” says Chandler. “They are full of encouragement and wisdom that they share with the organizations they’re involved in.”

2018 MVS Scholar

Stanford University Alum

Sponsored by Towson, Md., Lodge No. 469 and Member of Valdez, Ala., Lodge No. 2291

Sadie Blancaflor, At-Large Representative

Sadie takes her role in the #ElksFamily seriously. She’s been on one Elks Scholar Service Trip, and she’s held several leadership positions in her Elks Lodge. She’s also familiar with serving on boards, having been part of the Arctic Circle Assembly and the Prince William Sound Citizens’ Advisory Council. “As an Elks SAB member, I can’t wait to help cultivate this critical component of our broader Elks community by meeting new Elks scholars, serving as a role model of service, and helping encourage sustainable Elks scholar engagement with the Elks,” says Sadie.

Elks Scholar Advisory Board