UVA Community Credit Union Awards $62,500 to Area High School Seniors

Charlottesville, VA, June 10, 2024

UVA Community Credit Union announces the 2023-2024 recipients of its annual scholarship program. Twenty-five high school seniors were awarded $2,500 each. 

“At our Credit Union, we firmly believe in the transformative power of knowledge and that education is something you carry with you for a lifetime. That’s why we feel it is so important to give graduating high school seniors a head start in college through the Credit Union’s Local High School Scholarship program,” said Pamela W. Higgins, Chair of the Credit Union Board of Directors.

Scholarship submissions were open to students from area public high schools, private schools, alternate schools, and homeschooled students who reside in the following counties: Albemarle, Amherst, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Buckingham, Campbell, Culpeper, Cumberland, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Highland, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Rappahannock, Rockbridge, and Rockingham; and the cities of: Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro.  

Applicants were required to submit an essay that reflects the best financial advice they have received and explain why or how it will shape their future. Many students shared timeless wisdom passed down through generations about the importance of saving, investing wisely, and avoiding overspending. Others emphasized the significance of delving into the fine print of investments to maximize earning potential, living within one's means, and investing in personal growth and future endeavors. It was evident from their essays that these financially savvy scholars have a deep understanding of how their money mindset impacts their financial decisions.

Part of UVA Community Credit Union’s mission is to strengthen the financial wellness of our members and communities by providing responsive financial solutions for those we serve. To accomplish this mission, the Credit Union places an emphasis on education by offering a variety of free community education seminars and through this high school scholarship program. 

Scholarship recipients were recognized during the Credit Union’s Annual Meeting for its members in May.

Photo Caption:
2023-2024 UVA Community Credit Union High School Scholarship Recipients:
First Row (Left to Right): Austyn Allen – Buckingham County, Abigail Atkins ¬– Rappahannock, Makayla Blackburn – Wilson Memorial, Nate Bryerton – Albemarle 

Second Row (Left to Right): Elania Christmas – Monticello, Cason Dulaney – Louisa County, Caroline Fleming – Western Albemarle, Abigail Ford – Fluvanna County, Sydney Gibson – Fluvanna County, Hallie Goode – Charlottesville, Mallory Greslick – Louisa County

Third Row (Left to Right): Sahana Gupta – Charlottesville, William Harding – Spotswood, Kaylee Houston – Orange County, Kiersten Jenkins – William Monroe, Kawika Keys – Albemarle, Thomas Kominek – Fauquier, Joshua James Lamb – Madison County

Fourth Row (Left to Right): Nicholas Luces – Culpeper County, Kalli Monahan – Miller School, Lillian Morgan – Nelson County, Jalen Newman – Fauquier, Madeline Powell – William Monroe, Ellen Waag – East Rockingham, Michael Whittaker – Community Lab