SCHOLARSHIPS

Tobyhanna Army Depot Federal Credit Union, Scranton, Pa., has named the recipients of its 2004 John Paul Ruggerio Scholarship. This year’s first place winner was Emily Krzan of Bishop O’Hara High School $1,500; Gina Sacco of Abington Heights HS placed second $1,000; and $750 was awarded to third place winner Jacquelyn Harris of West Scranton High School. Insight Financial Credit Union, Orlando, Fla., has awarded four $1,000 Paul Higgs Memorial Scholarships to graduating high school seniors this year. Applicants for this year’s scholarships were required to submit an essay focusing on the credit union philosophy and how it sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions. The four winners included James Chase Bartlett of Eustis High School, Sarah Merritt of Leesburg High School, Audris Solomon of Wildwood High School, and Katelyn Thompson of Leesburg High School. Insight Financial established the Paul H. Higgs Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor Paul H. Higgs who was a former chairman and active member of the board for more than 28 years. It is also a tribute to the founders and many volunteers who have served the credit union and its members throughout its long history. Credit Union of New Jersey, Ewing, has chosen the 2004 Youth Scholarship recipients. Judges selected the scholarship recipients using subjective criteria, such as the essays and weighted objective criteria, such as academic performance, extracurricular and community activities, references, and personal goals. This year’s winners are Christie N. Brennfleck, Anthony R. Farro, and Jessica R. Jennings. Each recipient has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. New York State Credit Union League, Albany, has awarded a total of $17,500 to 24 college-bound students. Eleven students each received $1,000 scholarships and 13 each received $500 awards. Member applicants competed against other credit union members across the state. Judging was based on academic performance, extracurricular and community activities, an essay question and a teacher’s reference. Members Credit Union, Winston-Salem, N.C., has presented Heather Ann Smith the Daniel H. Elkins, Jr. award, for meritorious achievements in the areas of academic excellence and community service. For the third year in a row, Smith’s outstanding record of achievement set her apart from the many applications submitted. She has an impressive record of community service and is an honor student at Appalachian State University. Smith is a third year undergraduate pursuing a degree in Psychology and plans to attend graduate school. New Jersey Credit Union League, Hightstown, has announced the names of this year’s Youth Involvement Board Scholarship winners. Each of the winners will receive a $500 award from NJCUL. This year, NJCUL presented a record 20 scholarships to students. Applications were judged on teacher performance evaluations, SAT scores, non-weighted GPA information, activities the applicant participated in while in school, leadership positions held by the applicant, accomplishments, and the applicant’s response to a two-part essay question. Vantage Credit Union, St. Louis, Mo., has awarded 25 seniors a combined $25,000 in scholarships. In the past 21 years, Vantage has awarded over $325,000 in scholarships to area high school seniors. Winners of the 2004 Quest For Education scholarships were chosen based on a combination of a student-written essay; appropriate honors and awards; participation in extra curricular, community and volunteer activities; employment; recommendation letters; and credit union membership.