TALLAHASSEE – First Commerce Credit Union has awarded two $1,000 scholarships to localstudents who are MyWay checking account members.
Through this unique program, MyWay checking account members are eligible each year to apply for the scholarships, which can be used toward expenses for higher education.
This year’s MyWay Scholarship recipients are Teagan Milhous and Manna Robertson. Milhous ispursuing a degree in finance at Florida State University in the Fall. Robertson, who is currentlyattending the University of Florida, is pursuing a degree in graphic design.
“First Commerce is committed to empowering people to enhance their financial well-being. OurMyWay Scholarship program is just one way we invest in helping young adults start on a pathtoward financial success while also pursuing their academic dreams,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “We are incredibly proud of these students for demonstrating outstanding achievements both academically and beyond.”
In his essay, Milhous credits his job at the age of 16 as the teaching tools for learning how to budget. He attributes the lesson of developing financial goals to: “I began to appreciate the importance of saving and spending money wisely and then I began to develop my financial goals.”
Robertson’s video essay provided insights on the lessons she’s learned while attending college.She states that prior to attending college, “I researched budgeting tools to help me planfinancially. Although I researched budgeting tips, I did not realize how many unexpectedexpenses would pop up while at college.”
MyWay Scholarship applications and essays/videos were reviewed by an independent panel ofjudges from area institutions of higher learning including Chipola College, Florida A & MUniversity, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College and Thomas University. Winners were selected based on criteria including grades, community service, school activities, and work experience. In addition, each applicant submitted an essay or short video elaborating on their experiences with and approach to money including lessons.