United Federal Credit Union Awards Six Scholarships
June 15, 2017
United was founded in 1949 by people just like you who believed in the values of the community and who believed in service to one another. We’ve been serving Members ever since, growing into who we are today with the knowledge that strength in numbers brings opportunities and prosperity to all of us.
ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has awarded college scholarships to six recent high school graduates through its annual scholarship program. UFCU scholarships are granted to outstanding students based on academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities, a Twitter post and an original essay titled “Why Choose a Credit Union?”
Winners include:
Patrick Blaha - Blaha is a graduate of Weaver Academy for the Performing Arts, Greensboro, North Carolina. Blaha’s high school activities included chorale group, Frisbee team, debate club and jazz band. Blaha is a member of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro Teen Council and has volunteered with the B Natural Academy of Music, Greensboro Children’s Museum, and Wheels for Hope, a non-profit car donation organization. A National Merit Scholar, Blaha will continue his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.
In his essay, Blaha wrote, “A credit union is made up of people who have come together to cooperate and help each other. They work together through all types of financial times, both good and bad.”
Tyler Brown - Brown is a graduate of Ridgedale High School, Marion, Ohio. Brown was a member of the school marching band, varsity bowling team and robotics team. He is also an active volunteer with his church. Brown plans to attend Ohio State University, Marion in the fall.
In his essay, Brown wrote, “We must be wise about where we choose to store our money. Credit unions, by far, are the safest choice.”
Keely Grow - Grow is a graduate of E.C. Reed High School, Sparks, Nevada. Grow’s high school activities included cross country and softball. She also worked as a volunteer with the Northern Nevada RAVE Family Foundation and Northern Nevada Food Bank. Grow plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall.
In her essay, Grow wrote, “The contrast between a bank and a credit union is the fact that a bank is a company serving its shareholders whereas a credit union serves its members. The thought of being a member builds trust and reliability in the institution.”
Madison Petrus - Petrus is a graduate of Southside High School, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Her high school activities included competitive dancing and National Honor Society. Petrus helped raise money for wounded veterans and breast cancer research as a member of Delta Beta Sigma, a national high school sorority. She also volunteers with Boys & Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity and Ronald McDonald House. Petrus plans to attend University of Arkansas in the fall.
In her essay, Petrus wrote, “My parents are members of United Federal Credit Union so it was natural for me to follow their lead and open a savings account. I have found one benefit of UFCU to be that the same friendly people wait on me each time I deposit or withdraw money.”
Hannah Starr - Starr is a graduate of Lake Michigan Catholic High School, St. Joseph, Michigan. Starr’s high school activities included basketball, softball, band and cheerleading. She also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Key Club International and St. Joseph Catholic Parish. Starr plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall.
In her essay, Starr wrote, “Knowing I have a say about who is in control of my money made choosing a credit union effortless. I enjoy that United Federal Credit Union is centered in my community.”
Allison Stoltz - Stoltz is a graduate of Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, Jackson, Wisconsin. Stoltz’s high school activities included cross country, softball, volleyball, student government and National Honor Society. She also volunteered as a camp counselor and blood drive organizer. Stoltz plans to attend Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin, in the fall.
In her essay, Stoltz wrote, “When I turned five my family moved from Michigan to Wisconsin. Twelve years later, we are still members of United Federal Credit Union. We refuse to switch financial institutions because our experience with UFCU has been so positive.”
Eligibility for scholarships includes active membership at UFCU and acceptance into an accredited college, university or trade school.
About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 150,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $2 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Ohio. igh School -