The Elks National Foundation Scholarship competition is a highly competitive opportunity for high school seniors across the country, offering financial support to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to their communities. Among thousands of applicants, two seniors from Flora High School, Adam Pietz and Quentin Black, have advanced to the quarter-finals.

“I am thrilled to make it into the quarter-finals for the Elks Scholarship,” Adam shared.

If chosen as a finalist, Adam plans to use the scholarship money to cover his college expenses. His goal is to attend the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where he plans to pursue an engineering degree.

The Elks Scholarship is a highly competitive program, with only 500 students advancing to the finalist stage. If selected, a finalist can receive around $7,000 or more in scholarship money, a substantial amount that can ease the financial burden of higher education. 

Adam’s journey to this point was inspired by his teacher, Ms. Westjohn, who informed him of the scholarship and encouraged him to apply.

“My teacher, Ms. Westjohn, informed me about the scholarship awhile back and this motivated me to apply,” he said.

However, the application process was not without its challenges.

“The biggest challenge I have faced in this process is making sure all of the information is turned in by the deadlines,” he admitted.

Being named quarter-finalists is an achievement that fills Adam with pride.

“I am very proud to be a quarter-finalist as it reflects all of the hard work I have committed throughout my academic career,” he said. 

He attributes much of his success to the values instilled in him by his parents. 

“I think the work ethic my parents instilled in me has been the key quality that has aided in this process and my whole life,” he reflected.

For both Adam and Quentin, the competition is not only about winning the scholarship, but about personal growth and resilience. The Elks Scholarship competition has been a challenging yet rewarding process for the both of these students, and regardless of the outcome, their achievements demonstrate the power of perseverance and dedication.