NEWS

Greetings,

The MEA Scholarship Committee at 3 levels completed the following Activities & Tasks:

20 Lodge Scholarship Coordinators promoted the MVS Contest, Legacy Awards and Emergency Grants to their Lodge Membership and area High School Guidance Offices. Flyers, Brochures, Posters and Bookmarks were provided to each Lodge by the Elks National Foundation. Also, the use of Social Media, Lodge Newsletters and Newspaper Articles promoted the Scholarship offering.

19 out of 20 of the Lodges had applicants apply for the MVS Contest. Northern District led the way with 53 Applicants, followed by Coastal District with 31 and Central District with 17, for a total of 101 MVS Applicants statewide.

We had two new judges at the State Level, this year, Kathleen Cotterly, PDDGER from the Augusta Lodge and Deborah Mitchell, ER/PER from the Old Town Lodge. We also had the privilege to welcome back retired teacher Shawn Kimball. We feel very fortunate to have his eyes and expertise at this level of judging, as well.

We had a new Scholarship Coordinator at the District Level this year, also. We welcomed Laura Rollins, PER from the Millinocket Lodge.  Laura stumbled across a concern, right from the get-go when the District Applications opened for scoring. In researching the problem and bringing it to the National Level, it was found that the issue was a computer glitch, that was shortly rectified and resolved at the National Level.  Kudos Laura!!!

There were several new Scholarship Coordinators at the local Lodge level, as well. Congratulations, on your commitment to the youth in your communities.  A huge Thank You goes to all that worked hard in promoting the Elks Scholarships Programs. We appreciate your continued support in helping our youth further their educational endeavors.

I am pleased to announce that the following Lodges have scholars that have advanced to the National Level of Judging: Ellsworth, Farmington, Gardiner, Houlton, Portland and Presque Isle.  These top six Scholars and their families will be invited to join us at the Maine Elks Association State Convention on Saturday, May 6th.

It is important that each of the Lodges complete and submit a Scholar/Family Registration Forms with Meal Selections,
and turn them in to Convention Committee Chairperson Vassie Fowler by the noted deadline of April 1st, 2023.  Also, please send a copy of the Scholar/Family Registration forms to me at Lina Michaud, PER & MEA State Scholarship Coordinator, 27 Bunny Street, Augusta, ME 04330 or E-Mail: slaale@hotmail.com.

I will be sending each Lodge Scholarship Coordinator a copy of the Maine Elks Association District & Lodge Scholarship Awards Letters. These Awards are granted through the Maine Elks Association. This letter will also go out to each Scholar with a copy for their School Guidance Counselor’s, as well.

We should be notified in late March with the list National MVS Finalists and Legacy Award Winners will be announced in late April.

Nominations will be accepted through March 15th for the MEA SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD on behalf of their Dedicated and Meritorious Service to the Elks Scholarship Programs and the Youth of his/her community. Nominations may be for present or past service. Submit nominations to Lina Michaud @ slaale@hotmail.com.

Incoming Exalted Rulers, Congratulations!!!  Please be sure to submit complete contact information for your Lodge Scholarship Coordinator, for the MEA Directory, to include, name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. This must be updated in CLMS by your Secretary, too.

ENF Emergency Grant Applications open May 1st. Contact Lina with any questions on these renewable grants for children of disabled or deceased Elks. There are special details and requirements around these grants.

Remember these Scholars are our Future Leaders! Elks Care ~ Elks Share

In Elkdom,
Lina Michaud, PER
MEA Scholarship Coordinator
(207) 485-4710