Past Grand Exalted Ruler Jim Grillo presents the first-place Elks Most Valuable Student award to Megan Spencer.

Elks present four-year scholarship

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks presented Lodi High senior and valedictorian for the class of 2008 Megan Spencer with a four-year scholarship during the July 10th closing ceremonies of the 2008 Grand Lodge National Convention in Anaheim. The 2008 Elks Most Valuable Student Award process began last fall with applications from 15,000 students nationwide. The field was narrowed to 500 applicants who received awards ranging from $4,000 to the two first place awards of $60,000 each. The selection process culminated in Anaheim with first place presentations to Spencer and the male recipient, Donovan Barfield from Beaumont, Texas. National Past Grand Exalted Ruler, Jim Grillo from Stockton made the award presentation to Spencer.

As part of the ceremony, Spencer and Barfield each made presentations highlighting their plans for the future. Spencer will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, majoring in nutrition and fitness.

"Health is not simply the ideal cholesterol level or the perfect reflexive capability," Spencer said. "It's a state of mind that begins with our very thoughts."

Prevention through education and natural approach is the strategy to health Spencer embraces as she begins her studies this fall.