KNOXVILLE, Tenn.–Y-12 Federal Credit Union has honored six seniors by presenting each of them with a $5,000 scholarship at an awards dinner held at Zoo Knoxville.
With an “Into the Wild” theme, recipients dined and celebrated their accomplishments surrounded by elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Hallerin Hilton Hill delivered a special address to the students highlighting the power and importance of being “you,” the credit union said.
To kick off the event, recipients also got to step behind the scenes and feed Zoo Knoxville’s red pandas.
“It was an incredible night to share the accomplishments of six extraordinary seniors,” said Y-12 FCU CEO Mark Ziegler. “From exemplary grades and volunteerism to manners and wonderful personalities, I believe when it’s their time to lead, they will serve as the change agents needed to move us into a promising future.”
Y-12 FCU’s Bill T. Hicks Scholarship application process challenges students to get creative with the submission process and requires an essay presentation that goes through a scholarship committee panel review. In addition, students must meet several academic thresholds for consideration. This year’s recipients averaged a combined grade point average of approximately 4.2.
Each student will continue their education in the fall. Their institutions range from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University, Middle Tennessee University, and James Madison University.
Named for former Board Chairman and educator, the Bill T. Hicks Scholarship was introduced in 2010. Hicks passed away on April 4, 2023, at age 84, just before this year’s awards dinner. His passion and verve for education have enabled many East Tennessee students to receive financial support through Y-12 FCU to further their education.
The credit union has given over $124,000 to more than 97 recipients.