The Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge #1738 held its Youth Recognition Banquet on Monday, May 5, 2025. Over the years, the event has evolved into an awards ceremony that honors academic and athletic achievements across Shelby County.
The Lodge provides five different programs for area youth: Scholarships; An Americanism Essay Contest; Hoop Shoot Contest; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Recognition; An Eagle Scout Project.
Click for detailed info on each program winners:
Americanism JROTC Scholarship Eagle Scout Project Hoop Shoot
Honoring these youth is important. Some Elks members feel very deeply about their own military service and they choose to support the Junior ROTC program at local schools. Or, they volunteer to judge the Americanism essays. Other members get involved because they want to show young people how volunteerism supports the local community and makes it a better place to live.
Sixty young people, along with family members, teachers, and members from the Elks Lodge, attended. The Lodge room was decorated in black and gold, highlighting a banquet serving line that included roast beef, vegetables, rolls, salad, and a large Congratulations Cake.
After receiving an award, the students consistently thanked their parents and teachers for supporting their efforts to achieve their goals. They also thanked the Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge for allowing them to have an opportunity to participate in a competition and to receive the award. Guests were impressed with learning about all the programs the Cahaba Valley Elks provided to their community. Also, during the fellowship time before the banquet and program, adults and youth mingled to learn about their fellow students’ efforts to win. Lodge members present also interacted with the guests and students to help make sure all were enjoying the evening.
The Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge hopes the community becomes more aware of how much the members can assist in community and youth projects. The funding for Lodge programs provided to youth and veteran programs depend on the success of fundraising events such as Spring and Fall Fish Fry, Butt Sales, and Garage Sales.
Read the Shelby County Reporter Coverage: https://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2025/05/12/cahaba-valley-elks-lodge-honors-local-youth/
