The Elks National Foundation, the major charitable arm of the national fraternal organization, will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2012 competition.

Ranging from $1,000 per year to $15,000 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university.

Seven Maine students received $4,000 MVS scholarships during the 2010-11 academic year, including Jacques Larochelle, sponsored by Bangor Lodge 244; Dacie Manion, sponsored by Old Town Lodge 1287; and Krysta Moulton, sponsored by Skowhegan-Madison Lodge 2531.

The contest is open to any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States. Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks. College students are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed; permanent legal resident status does not qualify. Male and female students compete separately. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need.

The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 2, and a form can be downloaded at www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm.