LEWISTON – Applications are available for students who want to compete for the title of Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student and for a scholarship of up to $60,000. The male and female first-place winners will each receive $60,000 scholarships; second and third place, $40,000 and $20,000, respectively; and the 494 runners-up, $4,000 scholarships.

Any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States is eligible. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. Male and females compete separately and are judged based on scholarship, leadership and financial need.

The number of applications each state is eligible to submit is based on the state’s total donations since the foundation’s establishment, compared with the overall total donations the foundation has received since inception.

Applications are available online at www.elks.org/enf/scholars; by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Elks National Foundation; or by visiting a local Elks Lodge. Students must submit applications to their local Elks Lodge by Jan. 14, 2005. The Elks National Foundation will announce the 500 national winners and notify them in writing around May 16, 2005.

To locate a lodge, visit www.elks.org/LocalLodges.cfm.

For information on scholarship programs, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars or call 773-755-4732 or [email protected]. For more information about the Maine Elks Association visit www.maineelks.org.