Gulf Winds Cares Foundation Provides $20,000 in Scholarship Funding

Pensacola, FL. (June 8, 2021) – The Gulf Winds Cares Foundation provided $20,000 in scholarships to four graduating high school seniors, Winfred Brittain, Noah Calvery, Jacob Greeson and Emma Ostrom. Each was awarded $5,000 to further their education at a higher learning institution. 

Gulf Winds received 61 applications for the Scholarship Program, designed to support students that are members of Gulf Winds Credit Union in their first year of higher education. “We had a record number of applicants this year,” said Chris Rutledge, CEO/President of Gulf Winds. “The quality of the applications indicates that our future is bright as the next generation of leaders comes into their own.”

Applications are reviewed by a committee consisting of Credit Union employees that evaluate each applicant’s academic achievements, community involvement, personal essay, letters of recommendation and financial need. “Our four scholarship recipients distinguished themselves academically and exemplify Gulf Winds’ commitment to family and community,” said Kurt Stenerson, President of the Gulf Winds Cares Foundation. “We are proud to support the next step in their academic and life journey.”

Since 2007, Gulf Winds has provided $202,500 in scholarships to 57 first year continuing education students. The Gulf Winds scholarships are named to honor pioneer members of the credit union for their dedicated service to its members. In memory of these important leaders, scholarships are established in the names of Rufus Caton, Louis Lambert, Lola Stephens and Al Evans, Jr.

Meet the 2021 Scholarship Recipients:

Winfred ‘Wyn’ Ross Brittain

Wyn lives in Brewton and graduated from T.R. Miller High School. He will be attending the University of Alabama Birmingham to study biomedical sciences. Wyn was an active leader in student government, competed in the Science Olympiad at the regional and state levels winning several events, played varsity baseball, was a member of student Rotary and participated in Capstone Leadership Academy at the University of Alabama. He volunteered for several organizations including FCA Summer Camp and YMCA Tee Ball Clinic.

Noah Calvery

Noah lives in Daphne and graduated from St. Michael Catholic High School. He will be attending the University of Kansas to study biosystems engineering. Noah was the Senior Class President of student government, was Co-President and Founding Member of the Environment Club and was captain of the basketball team. He is active in the community as a volunteer for Christ the King where he leads a vacation Bible school group and volunteers for Coastal Clean Up.

Jacob Greeson

Jacob lives in Cantonment and graduated from J.M. Tate High School. He intends to enroll at Auburn University to study mechanical engineering after starting his college career at Pensacola State College. Jacob has been honored in the Tate Hall of Fame, was an active leader in student government, received the Science Department Award, and earned the Debate School Award. He has served the community for 121 hours at organizations like Miracle League Pensacola, Ronald McDonald House and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

Emma Ostrom
Emma lives in Gulf Breeze and graduated from Gulf Breeze High School. She will be attending Florida State University to study advertising. Emma has been honored in the Gulf Breeze High School Senior Hall of Fame, was the Senior Class President of student government, lead the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club as President, and was captain of the lacrosse team. She has served the community with over 200 volunteer hours for organizations like One More Child and Living Water.

Since 1954 Gulf Winds Credit Union has provided products and services that empower our members to live their best financial lives. Gulf Winds provides 70,000+ members with the convenience of 13 branch locations, online and mobile banking, nationwide surcharge-free ATMs and the support of more than 200 knowledgeable employees committed to providing “Service That Soars Above.” Membership is open to anyone that lives, works, worships or attends school in North Florida, Southern Alabama and Southern Georgia. Visit GoGulfWinds.com for more information.