PARCHMENT, Mich.–Advia Credit Union’s Advia Foundation has awarded $29,000 to graduating high school seniors as part of its annual Youth Scholarship Program.
Each of 29 students received a $1,000 Youth Scholarship for tuition for their fall semester at a trade school or university for secondary education. Recipients are chosen based on their exemplary leadership qualities, community involvement, and academic achievements; recipients must also be a member of Advia Credit Union to qualify.
“This year’s essay question was ‘How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your leadership drive, community involvement, and/or commitment to helping others?’” said Alanna Congdon, Advia Foundation Secretary. “The responses were both deeply insightful and inspirational. These students had their lives turned upside down but due to their unyielding commitment to their community and fellow students, they created their own opportunities to continue being leaders and helping others.”
Some responses to the essay included:
- Gabrielle Oursler, Lakeview High School: “While others have felt defeated over the course of the pandemic, I feel more empowered than ever before. Through watching our country struggle I was able to learn valuable lessons in leadership that will aid me in my future endeavors. I cannot wait to work hard for what I achieve.”
- Derek Strong, Beloit Memorial High School: “With all the extra time on my hands due to the pandemic, I have been able to devote some of my time to projects such as Kids Against Hunger, where we made and packaged food for those in need and making blankets for young students who didn’t have anything to keep warm with in the winter.”
- Malavika Menon, Hononegah Community High School: “COVID-19 has also shown me how important it is to be a part of the community in this difficult time. This summer I became a camp counselor at Merrill Community Center, working with children in low-income households. I loved being able to brighten the kids’ day and have them exercise their brain since most of them were stuck in the house all day.”
“We reviewed 117 applications and were beyond impressed with the achievements of all the students,” continued Congdon. “For this year’s recipients, their ability to overcome the struggles they faced during their senior year of high school and still be able to obtain amazing grades and help their community – we know these young adults will be successful in the future!”