Mission Federal Credit Union, San Diego, Calif., President Ron C Martin has recently accepted the Beacon Award for his credit union's community efforts. The Beacon Award is bestowed annually by the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation to individuals and organizations who do outreach to the community about financial literacy. Since 1997 MFCU has taught financial literacy seminars to high School seniors and education majors at two local colleges throughout San Diego County. Currently, Mission Fed teaches a six-week financial literacy course to every senior at Hoover High School in the urban City Heights neighborhood. Cabrillo Credit Union, San Diego, Calif., has received the first place award in the 2002 Desjardins Youth Financial Education competition. The credit union was recognized for its development and implementation of Scripps Ranch High School's Finance Academy. The Academy educates high-school students about finance in the world of business and offers life experiences through internships, mentorships and job shadowing opportunities. Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union, Tenn., Operations Auditor Pat Scheiman has been named "CCUE of the Year" . This honor is awarded to a member who demonstrates superior dedication and contribution to the Institute, the CCUE program, and the credit union movement. In addition, Steven Brooks, president of Tennessee Credit Union Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Knoxville TVA ECU, received the Jefferson Award from WBIR-TV 10. The Jefferson Award honors the highest ideals and achievements in the field of public service in the United States. Through this award, the American Institute for Public Service recognizes the dedication, sacrifice, and accomplishments of individuals serving the American people. Brooks received the award for his extensive volunteer service as a Mentor for Beaumont Elementary School. CUES Directors Educational Forum, Madison, Wis., has recognized C. Wendell Waggoner, Denver Public Schools CU director, as its 2002 CUES DEF Director of the Year. Involved with DPSCU for more than 30 years, Waggoner has given countless hours to community service programs and the Denver Public Schools. Waggoner was commended for his "leadership style that values honesty, embraces continuous learning and focuses on achieving results." The DEF Director of the Year Award recognizes directors who raise the bar for excellence in credit union volunteerism. In recognition of this award, CUES will make a donation to a charity of Waggoner's choice. Michigan First Credit Union, Detroit, Mich., has received an Award of Appreciation from GreenPath Debt Solutions, a provider of credit counseling services, in recognition of the credit union's contributions. In addition, MFCU Board Chair Dr. Barbara Bowen-Coulter has been honored with an Achievement Award presented by the Wayne State University Organization of Black Alumni.The award is presented to African American alumni of the university who have made significant contributions in their professional and community service endeavors. Coulter was honored for her many years as a teacher and administrator with the Detroit Public Schools and her numerous contributions including introducing the Reading Recovery program to DPS in 1947, and authoring ten textbooks that have been used in DPS and across the nation. Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Anchorage, has named Beth Battle the 2002 Employee of the Year. Serving as Personnel Systems Administrator since April 2001, Battle was recognized for being "effective, well organized and focused, highly motivated and results oriented, accurate and thorough, and willing to do whatever is necessary to meet established goals." In addition, Alaska USA FCU has named Lyn Bankowski as the 2002 Manager of the Year. Bankowski was honored for constantly "breaking new ground and making a difference."