AUGUSTA – The Maine Elks Association has announced the winners of the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarships for 2005. Seven high school seniors from across the state were awarded four-year scholarships of $1,000 each year, made possible through the Elks National Foundation. The students also qualified to compete at the national level, with the potential of receiving a four-year scholarship of $60,000.

Receiving scholarships are: Michelle A. Martin, sponsored by the Houlton Elks Lodge; Racquel M. Skold, Brunswick Elks Lodge; Chelsae Laweryson, Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge; Benjamin H. Weissman, Bangor Elks Lodge; Bianca Cloutier, Lewiston Elks Lodge; Samuel S. Dyar, Farmington Elks Lodge; and John R. Chisholm, Brunswick Elks Lodge.

In addition to the state winners, several district winners were also announced. These winners will each receive $2,000 one-year scholarships. They are: Naomi L. Smith, Presque Isle Elks Lodge; Christopher Carlin, Presque Isle Elks Lodge; Patrick A. Harris, Rumford Elks Lodge 862; Amy Gaidis, Rumford Elks Lodge; Andrew Marston, Portland Elks Lodge; Amanda Rumpf, Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge.

In addition, 28 scholarships in the amount of $900 will be given by the Maine Elks Association and awarded to high school seniors from across the state. This year, approximately 200 students competed for the MVS scholarships.

For more information on scholarships, the Elks and the programs, visit maineelks.org or visit a local Elks Lodge.