Elks Honor Outstanding Youth of the Community

Elks Lodge #2444 was the scene of a tribute to Saddleback Valley area youngsters excelling in academics, sports, and scouting. Attendees were treated to a hot dog and hamburger picnic dinner before the start of the program. Lodge President Derek Randles welcomed the recipients, their families and area dignitaries. Boy Scouts from Troop 603 presented the colors and Lodge Chaplain Kevin Hughes led the prayer. President Randles introduced Mayor Trish Kelly who congratulated the award recipients and read a proclamation from the City of Mission Viejo recognizing the Elks and declaring the week as Elks National Youth Week. Past Elks Lodge President and Youth Activities Chairman Pat Martino acted as master of ceremonies. Past Lodge Presidents Irene Romero and Charlie Hart presented awards to essay contest winners from the Saddleback and Capistrano Valley School Districts. They were: Benjamin Geisheimer, Katherine Gonzales, and Cesar Najera 5th & 6th grade. Victoria Cathcart, Alyssa Koliha, and Madison Thomas 7th& 8th grade. Receiving a special Teacher’s Commendation was Steve Gifford 6th grade teacher at Glen Yermo Elementary School. Elks National Hoop-Shoot awards were announced by Youth Activities Chairman Pat Martino. They were: Boys 10 - 11 Division Ethan Brown, and 12 - 13 Division Lucas Fortt and Connor Haskell.Elks Scholarship Committee Chairman John Dellos presented awards to Elks Scholarship winners. They were Dana Hills High School seniors Kevin Cahillane, Megan Forster, and Mitchell Heimbach. Other scholarship recipients were Mission Viejo High School senior Christine Cheung, Capistrano Valley High senior Ramtin Talebi, and Laguna Beach High senior Josie Goson. MC Martino reminded the younger students in attendance to make certain they apply for Elks scholarships when they become high school seniors, as the Elks give out nationally over three million dollars ($3,000,000) annually to worthy recipients .Scouting Chairman Thomas Spry Jr. introduced Troop 603 Eagle Scouts Austin Jaramillo and Levi Smith who have advanced to Assistant Scoutmasters. Eagle Scout Joshua Comstock of Troop 121 was also recognized. Girl Scout Gold Awards were announced by Troop Leader Leeora Beck. The award recipients present were Capo Valley students Emily Adams of Troop 107, Meredith Bowen Troop 219, Sarah George and Leilah Rodgiguez Troop 261, and Alexandra Zaheda Atamian of Troop 2482.In closing the meeting President Randles said, “As Elks, we are not only proud of these young scholars, scouts and athletes, but we also recognize the hard work and dedication of the parents who support and encourage their children to excel.” Randles quoted John Fitzgerald Kennedy who said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”