ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y.–Ocean Financial FCU has awarded its annual Patrick McNeill Memorial Scholarship to four members who are graduating high school seniors headed to college. Each student will receive $2,000 to go directly toward school-related expenses.
Each of the four winning students were judged based on their academic achievement and their community involvement, aligning with the credit union philosophy of people helping people and Ocean Financials’ Catholic values.They also wrote essays discussing what the value and importance of people helping people in our society is and what it meant to them personally.
The four students are:
- Sophia Green will graduate from Wellington C. Mepham High School in Bellmore, N.Y.. Green plans to attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, where she will be studying biology. “Seeing the value in children who are grateful, enlightened and motivated through each of my experiences continues to motivate me to be steadfast in my journey of putting people first. Helping others has taught me not only about gratitude, but how individually, and collectively in society, the immense power of how ‘people helping people’ makes all the difference in the world,” Green said.
- Tara Steiger will graduate from Oceanside High School in Oceanside, NY. Steiger plans to attend St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y., where she will be studying education. In her essay, Steiger stated, “It takes the slightest effort to put a vision into motion and I truly believe that compassion is contagious especially when others see the results of your contributions. Results that can only be achieved by people. People helping people.”
- Vincent Dipalo will graduate from Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, N.Y.. Dipalo plans to attend Fairfield University in Fairfield, N.Y., where he will be studying nursing. “Our world often emphasizes individual accomplishments, which can be discouraging and feel fragmented. However, when ‘people help people,’ incredible strength emerges as teamwork and collective efforts form a united force,” Dipalo said in his essay.
- Karoline Bajda will graduate from East Meadow High School in East Meadow, N.Y. Bajda plans to attend McGill University in Montreal, where she plans to study geography. In her essay, Bajda said, “I love giving back to my community and volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences. ‘The people helping people’ philosophy allows communities to come together to support each other and make a difference.”