Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444
25092 Marguerite Parkway (at La Paz Road)
Mission Viejo, Ca. 92692
Publicity, Andy Costello phone: 949-770-5796 Bus 949 380-8787
Lodge Phone 949-830-ELKS—Lodge Fax 949-830-2010
OUTSTANDING YOUTH OF THE SADDLEBACK COMMUNITY HONORED BY ELKS
The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks presented their annual Youth Appreciation Awards at a meeting of students, parents and Lodge members. All were present to pay tribute to the boys and girls of the Saddleback Valley who excelled in scholastics, sports and scouting during the past twelve months. Elks Exalted Ruler Jim Humphrey welcomed guests and read a decree from the Mission Viejo City Council proclaiming the week of May 4 to 10 as Elks Youth Week. Similar events honoring young achievers are taking place this week in Elks Lodges throughout the nation.
Elks Scholarship Chairman Gerry Schiphorst presented achievement certificates to scholarship winners Jenny V. Le from El Toro High School; Morgan P Sheldon, Daniel C. Yi and Ryne L. Contreras of Trabuco High; Dylan J. Moore of Aliso Niguel High; and Gabriella Hoffman of Tesoro High. Elk’s scholarships awarded to high school seniors start at $400 and can be as much as $60,000 at the national level. Schiphorst advised seniors to apply for the next round of scholarships when applications become available in September. The Elks are second only to the US government in the amount of scholarship dollars awarded annually.
Awards to winners of the Americanism Essay were presented by Elks Americanism Chairman Irene Romero. Recipients were 5, 6, & 7 grade students from area schools: Vincent Nicandro, Scott Bartolucci, Aidan McDaid, Ariell Spencer, Andee Higgins and Melissa Rogers. The essay topic was, “What freedom means to me” Sixth grade student Vincent Nicandro was given a standing ovation after reading his winning essay.
Elks National Hoop Shoot awards were presented by Youth Activities Chairman Pat Martino. Recipients were: Connor Haskell, J.T. Pugliese, Brendan Rankine, Ali Mohtashami and Chris Sims. Winners advance to district, state and national competitions. The 6 national free-throw finalists have their names inscribed on the Elks Hoop Shoot recognition plaque at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
Two of the most coveted awards in Girl Scouting, the Silver and Gold awards, were announced. Silver award recipients were Hannah Gaines, Christine Girolamo, Andi Hougland and Daniella Legan. Scouting’s highest Gold awards went to Kelsey Bongo, Marissa Girolamo, Alyssa Masters, aubra Rauchwerger and Krista Rodriguez.
Youth activities and sponsorship are among the top priorities of the Elks. Elks National President Paul D. Helsel has said his key goals for the more than 1 million men and women who make up the Order of Elks are to champion community services; provide help and hope to underprivileged and the disabled; encourage family involvement in the Elks at every level; provide for the needs of the nation’s veterans; and increase sponsorship of youth activities and programs. The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks, are proud of the part they play in accomplishing that goal.
For more information on Elks Charities or membership in the Elks call (949) 830-ELKS (3557)
