Elks Lodge Supports Veteran Students

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Elks Lodge Supports Veteran Students

Elks Lodge #1889, TSTC scholarshipFor nearly four years, the Elks Lodge #1889 in Harlingen has supported Texas State Technical College student veterans with contributions for scholarships. This year is no different.

TSTC was recently presented with a check for $2,500, the first of two contributions for 2019. The total amount the Elks Lodge is expected to give toward veteran scholarships this year is $5,000.

“The Elks Lodge is an organization that invests in helping our veterans throughout our community and our nation,” said Lee Wallace. Wallace serves as the Elks Lodge #1889 past district deputy grand exalted ruler.

Since 2015, the organization’s donations exceed $13,000 to TSTC and its veteran students. The scholarships help veterans transitioning from military to civilian life with tuition, books, supplies and other educational expenses.

Changing lives

“Our goal is to help veterans and their families with education so that they can obtain a trade that will lead to meaningful employment,” said Wallace. “This is what helps them lead normal, successful lives.”

TSTC Veterans Center Director Steve Guevara said the Elks Lodge Scholarship has been a lifesaver for a number of veterans. The scholarship awards $1,000 per academic year to a veteran or a dependent who does not have G.I. Bill monthly stipend benefits. Elks Lodge contributions also go toward book and supply scholarships with an amount that is dependent on the need of the student.   

“The Elks Lodge Scholarship has been a great help for our veteran students and puts their education as a priority,” said Guevara.  

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be a veteran and a full-time student. They must also maintain a 2.0 grade-point average.

Working together

“I hope that our partnership with the Elks Lodge continues to grow so that we are able to make a positive impact within our veteran community,” said Guevara.  

Wallace said he also hopes to see the partnership between TSTC and the Elks Lodge flourish. He then said it’s partnerships like this that help students gain an education. They also provide for their families while supporting a community.

“It is our duty to help our veterans in any way we can,” said Wallace. “And I hope that TSTC and the Elks Lodge continue to work together to build these types of opportunities, make our money work smarter and make possibilities endless for everyone.”

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