Middlesboro Lodge No. 119 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has announced that this year’s “Most Valuable Student” scholarship contest is now open and accepting applications from students in senior class who plan to continue their education after graduation. Application deadline is Nov. 27.

Each year the Order of Elks awards thousands of dollars in scholarship assistance to graduating seniors. This year the Elks will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants totaling $2,440,000. The contest is open to any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The top 20 finalists will participate in an all expenses paid “Leadership Weekend” in Chicago during which time they will interview with the national judges. These 20 finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of $40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 14 finalists will receive awards of $20,000. The 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000. Male and female students compete separately.

Middlesboro Lodge President Tommy Harrell emphasizes that “Since this is an ongoing program available every year, younger students and their parents should keep it in mind. Also students do not have to attend Middlesboro High School to compete. Students from any high school may apply, those from area schools giving Middlesboro as their sponsoring Lodge. Every year students sponsored by Kentucky Elks Lodges have won scholarships from this program with at least three past winners being sponsored by the Middlesboro Lodge.”

All applications are now done online. For more information or to begin the application process go to enf.elks.org/mvs.

Funds for this Elks national scholarship program are provided annually by the Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.