Arsenal CU Doubles Number of Scholarships

Arnold, MO - June 10, 2020 - Arsenal Credit Union awarded eight college scholarships this year, twice as many as last year and the highest number it has given in a single year. The total dollar amount disbursed  -- $8,100 -- was another all-time high for the credit union. A grant from the Heartland Credit Union Charitable Foundation made it possible for the credit union to recognize more students and award more money this year.

“We really appreciated receiving the grant money. It enabled us to award $675 scholarships to four students who otherwise would have not earned any scholarship money from us,” said Ken Moser, vice president of marketing at Arsenal. “Each year we typically award $5,400 and wish we could recognize more deserving young men and women, and this year it was great for us to be able to do that!”

Since introducing its scholarship program in 1997, the credit union has awarded a total of $88,750 to help 93 students reach their academic goals.

Scholarships at Arsenal are based on a student’s GPA and academic achievements, involvement in school and volunteer service in the community , a short essay, and three letters of recommendation. Scholarships for the top two finishers are named after Randy D. Pratt, the longest-serving volunteer in Arsenal’s history. Pratt served as a volunteer for a total of 28 years, including 18 as board chairman and many years on the scholarship committee as as a judge and chairman of it.

Those receiving scholarships this year, listed with their high school and college they will be attending in the fall, are:

• $1,500: Abigail McGue, Lutheran South (Concordia University Wisconsin)

• $1,500: Kennady Crutchley, Seckman (Southern Illinois University - Carbondale)

• $1,200: Lynn Eckhardt, Affton (University of Missouri - Columbia)

• $1,200: Jonah Yates, Parkway West (Missouri University of Science & Technology)

• $675: Emma Gottschlich, Cor Jesu (Missouri University of Science & Technology)

• $675: Alice Clauss, Lindbergh (McGill University)

• $675: Addison Niethe, Bishop DuBourg (Harris-Stowe University)

• $675: Kenneth Damper, Chaminade (Truman State University)

Arsenal is now in the process of recognizing younger students with its Tracker Academic All-Stars program. Members of its kids savings club can earn up to $10 for the 2019-20 academic year, with $1 being awarded for each  ‘A’ (or equivalent) in  core and elective classes each semester.

“Just like we do every year, we want to reward kids in kindergarten through sixth grade for their hard work in school by depositing cash into their savings account at the credit union,” said Jenny Remes, marketing analyst and certified educator in personal finance at Arsenal.