Burt W. and Virginia Polin Elks Scholarship

The Burt W. Polin and Virginia Polin “Elks” Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of the Polins. This scholarship is based on what the Elks Club stands for: Charity, Justice, Patriotism, Good Fellowship, and Service to people and the community through benevolent programs. Burt Polin was born in San Luis Obispo in 1914 and died in San Luis Obispo in 2006. He was a dry land wheat rancher for more than 40 years on land on the Carrizo Plains inherited from his grandfather. He was a shrewd real estate investor and became a broker in 1964, opening Polin-Truchan Realty with his best friend. In 1972 he was elected President of the San Luis Obispo Board of Realtors and in 1978 was named Realtor of the Year. Burt loved telling stories, had a quick sense of humor, and loved fishing. Josephine Virginia "Ginny" Polin was born in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to California in her early 20's. She was very passionate about music and the arts and involved in several organizations supporting the arts. She died in 2010. The Polins had been married for nearly 70 years and were very active in the community. Burt was active with the Elks Club (a member for 61 years) and the Caballeros (a member for 51 years), and Virginia sang in many groups and choirs as a soprano. Elks was founded, “To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhancement the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship.” The recipient of this award demonstrates characteristics the Elks Club stands for, and that were important to the Polins. The recipient of this award is pursuing a degree leading to a career in public safety or civil service.

Open to graduating seniors from a San Luis Obispo County high school planning to pursue a degree in public safety, psychology or sociology at a four-year university. Minimum GPA of 3.0.