Lamar Elks Americanism, Scholarship and Drug Awareness Banquet Draws Large Crowds

Every day the Elks have an impact right here in Lamar and the surrounding communities. They do everything from sponsoring different events to the programs it operates. Three of its critical missions are: Americanism, Drug Awareness and Scholarships. These areas are just a few ways the Elks help our communities. On April 22nd, the Lamar Elks lodge honored the Americanism, Drug Awareness and Scholarship winners. They competed with other students in the region to: show their patriotism, support of drug awareness, earn money for college and win prizes.

Americanism
Americanism is one of the Elks primary missions. It supports this country, the freedoms we enjoy and encourages continuing honor and respect of America’s larger ideals. Every year there is an essay contest at local schools talking about different concepts related to Americanism. This year’s theme was “Why Veterans are America’s Heroes.” Too often, society forgets about our veterans and the sacrifices they make for this country. The Lamar Elks sponsors programs to support veterans throughout the region. There were a series of essays written by students at local schools expressing why they think “Veterans are America’s Heroes.” The winners were: 1st place Haden Brooks (Vilas), Pooja Kodavatikanti (Holly), Evan Larrick (Wiley) for Division 1. Alex Mitchell (Kit Carson) was 1st place and Torre Randall (Kit Carson) received 2nd place for Division 2.

Drug Awareness
Drug Awareness is another program that benefits Lamar. It focuses on why the use of illegal drugs is wrong and what it does to people. This is a message that is often lost. The Elks are committed to preserving and promoting drug awareness. Every year there is a poster and essay contest among the youth at local schools. Each poster is judged at the local lodge level. They move up to the district, state and nationals. The winners at the lodge level were: Caylee Weisenhorn (Holly Elementary School 3rd grade) Aiyana Pizarro (Holly Elementary School 4th grade) and Graci Morlan (Holly Elementary School 5th grade). This year’s district winner is Aiyana Pizarro (from Holly). All of the students that participated did an outstanding job.

Scholarship
The Elks is one of the largest college scholarship donors in America. It helps students from different backgrounds to pay for college and to have a better future. This year there were a total of six $500 scholarships awarded. The winners include: Brandon Chavira (Lamar), Grace Williams (Lamar), Treven Wertz (Lamar), Kendra Noe (Cheyenne Wells), Aubrey Lawrence (Lamar) and Aliana Contreras (McClave).

These are just a few ways the Elks are making difference by benefiting people locally. The order is dedicated to Lamar and the surrounding communities it serves. Our motto is Elks Care, Elks Share.

Submitted by David Jones