Philadelphia, PA - August 2, 2024 — TruMark Financial® Credit Union is proud to announce the winners
of the inaugural TruMark Financial Difference Makers Scholarship, a program designed to honor high
school seniors who demonstrate exceptional community service. This scholarship underscores TruMark
Financial's commitment to financial education and equipping youth with the financial tools and
knowledge necessary to become financially smart adults. The organization is excited about the future of
this scholarship and looks forward to helping even more young adults in the coming years. Submissions
for next year’s scholarship will be accepted starting in October. TruMark Financial congratulates this
year’s recipients for their outstanding achievements and dedication to their futures.
This year’s winners showcased remarkable initiatives that have made significant impacts in their communities:
First Place: Sarah Ladley - $7,500 Sarah recognized a need among teenagers in the foster care system, who often use garbage bags to carry their personal belongings. She organized her peers at Central Bucks High School to create "dignity bags" — reusable bags filled with necessities for these teens to use for their personal items. She and her peers also visited classrooms not only to collect the needed items, but to educate and inspire fellow students. Sarah's efforts have provided a sense of dignity and support for these young individuals. Sarah will be attending McDaniel College in Maryland and also has received a $350 donation to her charity, Fostering Hope Bucks County.
Second Place: Brendan DiEnna - $4,000 Brendan dedicated his time to a mission in the Dominican Republic, where he led a week-long camp for underprivileged children. He raised funds for sports equipment and games, bringing joy and valuable experiences to the children. Brendan’s project highlighted how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. A graduate of Holy Ghost Prep School, Brendan will attend Boston College and has received a $350 donation to the Holy Ghost Esperanza Camp.
Third Place: Megan Keeney - $3,000 Megan addressed the need for school supplies among students from less fortunate families. She organized a collection of new and gently used school supplies, distributing them through the Back-to-School Free Store, which serves hundreds of families. Megan, a graduate of Interboro High School, will be attending West Chester University and has received a $350 donation to her high school's Back-to-School Free Store.
Runners-Up: Lisa Share, Arianna Vahsen, and Haley Velasquez
These exceptional students also demonstrated outstanding community service and were recognized as runners-up in the scholarship program.
TruMark Financial CEO Kelly Botti expressed her admiration for the students' dedication to their communities, stating, "I am deeply humbled by the commitment and maturity these young individuals have shown and we are deeply proud of them. Their projects reflect a deep understanding of community needs, and I have no doubt they will continue to make a difference as they begin their college journeys."
The scholarship awards included cash prizes for the top three students. Students placing fourth to sixth received $350 each, along with a $350 donation to their associated non-profits. The top six students, their parents, and their sponsoring teachers were honored at a special breakfast event held at TruMark Financial’s headquarters. The TruMark Financial Difference Makers Scholarship not only provides essential financial support for these students' educational pursuits but also empowers them to continue making positive contributions to their communities. This initiative is a testament to TruMark Financial's core principle of "Concern for Community," reflecting the credit union's dedication to fostering a brighter future for all.
