In its fifth year of presenting the awards, the Poplar Bluff Elk’s Lodge Post 2452 is seeking to raise awareness about its Student of the Month, Outstanding Students, and Student of the Year honors.
Exalted Ruler Donnie Trout said the process, in one form or another, has existed as long as he can remember. However, the lodge stopped giving out the award at some point in the past due to a lack of interest.
Six years ago, Trout assumed leadership of the local Elks and sought to bring it back.
“It took a few years to get it going,” he recalled.
Renamed the Porter Award after former exalted ruler WC (Bill) Porter, the lodge sought to honor his memory of service to the community. He passed away in 2013 after 30 years of membership with the lodge. His widow, Jeanie, said her husband was tirelessly involved with the Elks’ causes.
“He was so very supportive of all the programs they do, especially with the youth and veterans,” she said.
Trout described challenges in getting schools on board initially but said the program is stronger than it has ever been. Every month, 10 area schools select a student of the month. From these 10 students, Porter picks a top outstanding student.
The students of the month and the outstanding student receive $25 and $50 gift cards to Academy Sports, respectively. The honorees and their families are invited to a fish fry dinner at the lodge. From the pool of outstanding students throughout the school year, the Elks hold the Porter Award essay contest to select the Student of the Year.
Trout said the topic of the essay is typically Americanism. The winner is given a $500 scholarship from the annual golf tournament fundraiser.
In its 28th year, the tournament is also named in honor of WC Porter. Jeanie Porter judges the essays and selects the winners.
“It’s so very impressive. ...These kids need to be recognized,” she affirmed. “We need to support our youth because they’re the future.”
Trout agreed, “These are our future leaders.”
He added the award provides continuity between generations and an incentive for greater academic achievement.
“I would like to see it grow,” he said. “Some parents had remembered the award from when they were students.”
Trout elaborated, “It’s a reward for a good job, and it’s further encouragement to continue doing that good job.”
Another purpose of the award is community ambassadorship for the lodge.
“We believe in country, veterans and youth. That’s what a lot of our programs are about,” he shared. “Our organization does a lot of good for the community.”
Porter said the award being named after her husband represents the best of his legacy.
“It’s quite an honor,” she stated. “It all comes about because of how strongly he supported the youth.”