The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2018 competition. Applications are currently being accepted.

Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States, are eligible to apply. However, applicants who are related to a member of the Elks may not apply.

Applicants must be a United States citizen on the date the application is signed. Permanent legal resident status does not qualify. Male and female students compete for scholarships separately.

Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The deadline for applications is Monday, Nov. 27.

The top 20 finalists will participate in an all-expense paid Leadership Weekend in Chicago, during which they will interview with the national judges. The 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 runner-ups will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000.

To begin the application process, go to https://aim.applyISTS.net/ElksMVS to create an account using your email address and chosen password.

You may then login to your account to be taken directly to the Welcome Page of the 2018 Most Valuable Student application.

For assistance, contact Steve Call, scholarship coordinator at the Ironton Elks Lodge 177, at 740-533-4559 or email him at call@ohio.edu.