The Kingfisher Elks Lodge 2416 Elks Honor Banquet is a long-standing tradition dating back to the 1980s. Mike Combs coordinated the event for approximately 40 years before Paula Leffingwell, a counselor at Kingfisher High School, assumed responsibility for its preparation and organization.
Each year, the Elks Honor Banquet brings together graduating seniors from Kingfisher County schools, Kingfisher, Dover, Okarche, Lomega, Hennessey, and Cashion. A total of 58 students are recognized at the event, including many honor students such as those graduating with honors and 4.0 GPAs. Seniors who have a parent or grandparent in the Kingfisher Elks are also eligible for scholarships and are invited to attend, even if they are not part of the honor student group.
This year’s event was held Thursday, April 30th in the South Room, welcoming approximately 150 guests including students, parents, and school administrators. A total of 58 seniors were recognized for their academic achievement and leadership, and each honor student was presented with a certificate.
Eleven students received $1,000 scholarships, totaling $11,000 awarded by the local lodge:
• Casen Chlouber (Kingfisher)
• Cody Lee Endres (Okarche)
• Joshua Finley (Kingfisher)
• Lola Iniguez (Kingfisher)
• Presleigh Phillips (Kingfisher)
• Cameron Ramer (Lomega)
• Reese Roof (Kingfisher)
• Rhett Schlegel (Kingfisher)
• Scout Snodgrass (Kingfisher)
• Aidan Stephens (Kingfisher)
• Samuel Wood (Dover)
In addition to receiving a local scholarship, Presleigh Phillips was also awarded a scholarship through the Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards. She was one of 350 graduating seniors selected nationwide to receive the $6,000 award.
The Elks Lodge also hosted a golf tournament this past summer to support the scholarship program, strengthening funding for these awards.
The Elks Honor Banquet continues the lodge’s tradition of recognizing academic excellence and supporting the next generation of local students across Kingfisher County.
