2020 has been anything but normal for high school seniors. They adapted to distance learning, accepted substitute graduation ceremonies, missed iconic high school events, and planned for college when planning for an unknown future seemed impossible. With all of the obstacles this year presented, these bright, talented students persevered and are now excitedly looking ahead to their next chapter. Meet Money FCU’s 2020 college scholarship recipients!
These exceptional students were chosen by our third-party committee based on the applicant’s academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, and an essay regarding the value of the philosophical foundation of credit unions, “people helping people.”
Kevin Hackett will graduate from Century High School and plans to attend the University of Maryland. He has been in the top 12% of his class and made Honor Roll every semester. Kevin was named Football Special Team MVP, captain of the lacrosse team, and took 1st place in track state championships for two different relays. Some of Kevin’s high school activities included Ski Club, National Honor Society, YoungLife, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also volunteered at Vacation Bible School, was a camp counselor for Century basketball, held a position on the executive board of the Future Business Leader Association and maintained an internship at CCBO. If he ran a credit union, Kevin said, he “…would initiate a program designed to promote employees…a happy employee who feels their work is recognized and appreciated is one that will work hard to be the best.”
Gianna Quonce will graduate from East Syracuse Minoa High School and plans to attend Russell Sage College. She was a member of Jr National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, and participated in Italian Club where she was secretary all four years and vice president her senior year. Gianna also played JV and varsity basketball and softball, holding the position of captain her sophomore and junior year. She even found time to be an assistant little league coach, help with a softball clinic, and play on the Renegades and Blue Reign softball club teams. Gianna sees the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” as a valuable characteristic. She recalled a story of when her parents helped her purchase her very first car with a loan from the credit union. “I am very proud of my car and I am very thankful that my credit union was able to help me get that.”
Madeline Rivers will graduate from Liverpool High School and plans to pursue a career in music education at Duquesne University. She was a member of National Honor Society her junior and senior year, and was designated Liverpool Optimist Student of the Month her freshman year. Some of her activities were Syracuse Children’s Chorus, LHS Theatre Arts Club, LHS Fame, and multiple years of chorus and high school musicals. Madeline was also president of LHS Fame, treasurer and president of Theatre Arts Club, and participated in junior class senate. She enjoyed being a math tutor, volunteering for Special Olympics, and entertaining the runners of the Turkey Trot. She believes teens need more opportunities in school to learn about managing money. “Instituting these practices to help teens would help a new generation to become more financially secure adults.”
Your future lies ahead of you, and Money FCU stands behind you. We look forward to witnessing your success stories. Congratulations to the class of 2020 and our scholarship recipients!
Money Federal Credit Union’s scholarship competition begins in October of every year, with an application deadline typically in mid-January. It’s open to Money FCU members who are graduating high school seniors planning to attend college, and who have had their account relationship with us for over one year at the time of application.
In addition to a scholarship program, we support our youth members by offering a fee-free checking account and a better way to pay for college with our private student loan program.
We are proud to have contributed over $100,000 to the continuing education of our younger members.
