Lauren Kuhn, a 2009 Legacy Award recipient sponsored by Hoquiam, Wash., Lodge No. 1082, won the title of Miss Seattle in 2010. Since then she has been busy raising awareness of local causes.

At age 16, Lauren started competing in local pageants and won over $10,000 in scholarships. She became even more involved when she competed in the Miss Seattle pageant and won!

“It felt amazing to be chosen,” she says. “Representing the Seattle area has been a dream of mine for many years.”

But more than winning the title and a crown, Lauren is excited to use the Miss Seattle position to spread positive messages throughout Washington. Throughout 2011, Lauren will represent Seattle at various causes and functions.

“I’ve had many opportunities to be involved with non-profit organizations and other local causes, which include speaking at schools, fundraising for both the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign and the Special Olympics of Washington, and collecting donations for Toys for Tots, just to name a few,” she says. “It feels great to know that I can use my title as Miss Seattle to bring awareness to important community causes.”

Lauren doesn’t only specialize in pageants; she is a motivated biochemistry student at Gonzaga University with aspirations to become an orthodontist.

“After graduation, I hope to attend the University of Washington School of Dentistry to obtain my D.D.S. and then pursue a career as an Orthodontist,” says Lauren.

When she’s not busy with schoolwork, Lauren is preparing for her next pageant. In July, Lauren will compete in the Miss Washington Pageant.

Lauren has already gone far during her two years at Gonzaga thanks to her Elks National Foundation Legacy Award. And we know she will continue to amaze us with her talents.

“The Legacy Award has given me support,” says Lauren. “Knowing that the Elks National Foundation believes in me means a lot.”

In 2010-11, the Elks National Foundation allocated $1 million to fund scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Elks. If you know an Elk child who is a high school senior, encourage them to visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars for information, including eligibility and deadlines.