As the heart behind the Antlers’ newest wave of community action, the young students of Stroudsburg Area School District are proving that leadership doesn’t come with age—it comes with purpose.
According to The Pocono Record, the Elks Lodge started in East Stroudsburg in 1895 and has been growing ever since. As of April 17, 2025, the Elks Lodge consists of 524 members. The Lodge focuses on the community through charity events, fundraisers, and community service.
The Elks have also welcomed many opportunities for the younger community of East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg. The Antlers are the young adult version of the Elks, and this Lodge has had a strong young mind bring it to the East Stroudsburg Lodge.
Sophie Best, a junior here at Stroudsburg, found the Elks in 2025 with her family. She had the determination to open the doors to the youth in the community.
There are four other main officers. First Vice President, Crista Kopec; Second Vice President, Samantha Best; Secretary, Zoey Zeballos; Treasurer, Arianna Lutz.
With the guidance of the Elks, the Antlers get to step into real-world problem-solving situations, and they get to flourish in leadership. Stroudsburg is lucky enough to have an Elk in our administration to guide our youth. Jeffrey Sodl is an Elk who uses his leadership to connect students with the community.
“I have been an Elk for at least ten years. It is nice to be a part of the Elks, and something that is bigger and gives back to the community. It is important to give back through charitable work,” says Jeffrey Sodl, Principal. “Going to an event that helps the community can make you appreciate what you have. We have a great community that supports what students do.”
On Thursday, May 29, the Elks will host a meet and greet where new members can meet old members. It will also be a scholarship dinner for those seniors receiving scholarships. This event will connect the Elks with the young community, and some graduating seniors will be able to see what the Elks are all about.
“It is such an honor to have the community invested in my future in some way. The money that comes from this group will help me shape my future, and I am very grateful for it,” says Rebecca Dishong, ’25.
Upcoming events for the Antlers include a Duck Race on June 7, an Iron Pigs game on July 3, and a Murder Mystery on July 19. The Antlers help out with the banquet and buffet events as well. They wash dishes, clear tables, and make sure every guest is happy. After each event, they relax in the basement, bowl, and play pool.
For their officer induction, the Antlers hope to have National or State-level Elks attend. Since the Antlers have not been in effect in East Stroudsburg in the past few years, it is a big deal for the new Antlers to welcome higher-level officers. The induction will come later this year
For those interested, the next Antlers meeting is on Sunday, June 22 at 1 p.m., located at 260 Washington St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. We hope you will come with an interest in being a part of this youth-driven organization.
Please contact Sophie Best at [email protected], Crista Kopec at [email protected], or leave a comment down below if you have any interest in joining the Antlers and growing with your community. We hope to see you there!