Spire Credit Union Awards $1,000 in Scholarships

Falcon Heights, MN - The SPIRE Scholarship Committee recently awarded scholarships to two Minnesota students. Katelyn France from Hinckley-Finlayson High School and Mason Stoltz from Eden Prairie High School will each receive a $500 scholarship. In addition to completing an application form, applicants submitted a 500-1,000 word essay.

Katelyn France plans to attend University of Minnesota-Duluth this fall. Katelyn has been a Salutatorian and Valedictorian since 2012, and was a 2017Albert Cup winner-a prestigious AP Psychology award. Katelyn’s application outlined a commitment to community through volunteering with organizations such as Feed My Starving Children, Elderwood Assisted Living and Hinckley Elementary School. In school, she has been a member of the National Honor Society, yearbook staff, speech and science club, cheerleading, robotics and knowledge bowl teams. Noteworthy activities and achievements, along with the completion of a well-written essay, were factors in the winner selection process. 

In Katelyn’s essay answering the question, What is a healthy financial habit? How can SPIRE help you obtain healthy habits? She noted that, “At 15, I came in and met with one of SPIRE’s financial advisors, who helped me prepare for my incoming junior year. I am far from a traditional student, as I spent the second semester of school competing in international science competitions. Knowing that I would need money available if I advanced to Los Angeles, I set up a savings account and learned how to direct deposit my paycheck into the account. This option would prove beneficial to me, as it helped me learn self-control.”

Mason Stoltz Mason Stoltz plans to attend Brigham Young University this fall.  Mason’s application outlined a well-rounded commitment to community by volunteering for organizations such as the Eden Prairie Human Rights and Diversity Commission, Habitat for Humanity, Church Youth Council and serving on the Youth Advisory Council for Children's Hospitals and Clinics. He has also received varsity letters in Service and Music, and been involved with the National Honor Society and the Student Council at Eden Prairie High School. Noteworthy activities and achievements, along with the completion of a well-written essay, were factors in the winner selection process. 

In Mason’s essay answering the question, What is a healthy financial habit? How can SPIRE help you obtain healthy habits? He noted that, “Without an intentional and purposeful spending plan, I can drain my funds rapidly and aimlessly. SPIRE has helped me avoid this by presenting the 10-10-80 rule during its annual meeting. These numbers represent: donating 10% of your income, saving 10% for a rainy day, and living on 80% of your earnings.”

Since its inception, the SPIRE Scholarship Program has awarded 74 scholarships for a total of $39,000 to credit union members. “We are so honored to give youth an opportunity to further their education and chase their dreams,” says Dan Stoltz, SPIRE President/CEO, “The scholarship program truly embraces the SPIRE philosophy of improving lives.” 

About SPIRE Credit Union: A full-service financial institution, proudly serving Minnesota and Wisconsin residents since 1934. SPIRE is committed to providing smart products, great rates and excellent service with a goal to improve the financial lives for both personal and business members. SPIRE has 17 branches across the metro and throughout northern Minnesota.

For more information, please visit: https://myspire.com/news-events/news/two-high-school-students-awarded-spire-scholarship.