ARLINGTON — Two students from Arlington High School’s class of 2011 have received awards in the Elks’ “Most Valuable Student” contest.

In the girls’ division of the contest, first place went to Caroline Rensel, while third place went to her fellow AHS senior, Corinne McClure.

The Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.64 million in college scholarships each year through three scholarships, one of which is the “Most Valuable Student” program. Everett Elks Lodge 479 facilitates this scholarship program for Snohomish County schools.

According to Andrea Conley, public information coordinator for the Arlington School District, a high standard of requirements is set forth in the Elks scholarship programs, with standards derived from research and highly qualified personnel in the educational field. Students are critiqued in areas of citizenship, personality, leadership, perseverance, resourcefulness, patriotism, community involvement and academic strength.

The Everett Elks Lodge received more than 50 applications and awarded 10 scholarships this year.

“This was an especially difficult year to determine the winners,” Everett Elks Scholarship Chair William Vincent said. “There were so many strong applicants. I wish we had more money to give to these very deserving students.”

An awards ceremony is set for May at the Everett Elks Lodge.