The Elks National Foundation is pleased to announce two new additions to the Scholar Advisory Board!

Elizabeth Radway is the First-Year Most Valuable Student representative and Katherine Knight is the First-Year Legacy Awards representative. Both will serve on the SAB for four years—we’re looking forward to their insight and perspective as we start the 2020-21 SAB year.

Sponsored by Cincinnati, Ohio, Lodge No. 5, Elizabeth is a 2020 MVS scholar currently studying biology and computer science at Columbia University. She is also a first-generation college student. Elizabeth is passionate about service—she was a member of Ohio Attorney General’s Teen Ambassador Board in high school, as well as a Field Ambassador for the National Youth Council of the American Red Cross (ARC) and the founder of ARC National Buddy Program. This fall, Elizabeth hopes to work toward a career in healthcare advocacy. She’ll also continue her other passion, dance.

“Only through a diverse array of Elks scholars serving on the Advisory Board are we able to properly represent the sum of the Elks scholars whom we serve,” says Elizabeth. “I hope that through my life experiences, I will be able to share perspective on how others view the world, as well as learn from my peers and their own unique perspectives.”

Katherine Knight’s grandfather, a 51-year member of Port Clinton, Ohio, Lodge No. 1718, sponsored her Legacy Awards application. It is clear Katherine’s family is devoted to the Elks and helping others.

“My grandfather's involvement with the Elks has helped to instill in me, from a young age, the value of giving back and serving my community,” says Katherine. “My grandfather has always made it a priority to serve his community, and I hope to one day have the same kind of impact. I have always found joy in giving back, I believe mainly because of the values my family holds dear.”

In high school, Katherine was a Choose Ohio First for Engineering Entrepreneurship Scholar, as well as a team leader for Project Wildlife. Katherine is currently a first-year student at the University of Toledo, majoring in bioengineering. While planning to secure a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics, Katherine hopes to set a positive example for those living with and without a disability. As a person with cerebral palsy, she hopes to bring her unique perspective to the Scholar Advisory Board.

“One of my biggest beliefs is to make the most of what you have,” says Katherine. “Always live confidently and be proud of everything you are able to do, even if that looks different than someone else.”

The 2020-21 Scholar Advisory Board kicks off the new year in November. Check back for updates on the important work the board does on Elks scholar engagement throughout the year!