2015 Legacy Awards Scholar
California State University-Long Beach—Mathematics and English Major
Sponsored by Redondo Beach, Calif., Lodge No. 1378

Elks scholars know they have the support of their Elks family from coast to coast. For Legacy Awards scholar Alexandra Appel, she is taking that knowledge with her as she begins her freshman year.

Alexandra kept busy throughout high school, with interests in dance, academics, and serving others. She served as student body president her junior and senior years, as an officer with the California Scholarship Federation, tutored her peers in various subjects, and was active in the Girl Scouts, including serving as president, secretary, and earning her Girl Scout Gold Award.

She is also active with the Pediatric Therapy Network, a nonprofit that helps low-income families with children diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and other development disabilities, as both a volunteer and intern. She plays with the children, accompanies them on behavioral and physical therapy appointments, and assists with office administration. For her Gold Award, she also worked with the children on a dance instruction program, combining her love for dance and helping others.

In addition to her accomplishments in academics and service, Alexandra has a deep love of dance and performance. She worked at the Professional School for the Arts, performing administrative duties for the opportunity to take dance classes to further develop her skills. She also attended a performing arts high school and worked as an actor in film, TV, and music videos for several years throughout middle and high school.

In college, Alexandra plans to continue developing her skills in dance, as well as pursue her interests in math and linguistics. She hopes to use her skills in math and language to become a technical analyst for the U.S. government, to help serve her country through her career.

Alexandra is grateful for the support of her Elks family, both through the financial support to attend college and the sense of community they provide.

“I am highly honored to receive the accolade of being an Elks scholar,” says Alexandra. “The Lodge has always been a place of genuine comfort for me. I believe that being an Elks scholar will give me a sense of comfort as I progress in higher education and move away from home.”

Alexandra can take comfort knowing that her Elks family shares her goals and supports her success across the nation.

For 2015-16, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.74 million to fund the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, which includes 500 four-year Most Valuable Student Scholarships. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars.