ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) awarded $5,000 in college scholarships to nine students through its corporate and state programs.

UFCU scholarships are granted to outstanding graduating high school seniors based on academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities and an original essay discussing the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.”

Niles High School graduate Danielle Villa was awarded the $1,000 Corporate Scholarship. Villa’s extracurricular activities include serving as Miss Niles 2014, soccer, cheerleading and performances in several high school musicals. She has also volunteered with Hope Rescue Missions, Berrien County Human Services Department and singing for senior citizens at nursing homes through Expression Trio.

Brandywine High School graduate Sarah DeRosa was awarded the $500 Berrien South Regional Scholarship. Sarah’s extracurricular activities include History Club and participating in the Lakeland Fine Arts Festival. She has also volunteered at a number of high school and elementary school fundraising events as well as community events with the National Honor Society.

DeRosa will attend Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan in the fall.

Eligibility for scholarships includes active membership at UFCU for at least six months, demonstration of dedication to community service and acceptance into an accredited college, university or trade school for the upcoming fall term.

Other scholarship winners include:

Kelsey Berndt — Regional Winner – Lakeshore H.S. – Stevensville, Michigan

Hannah Campbell – Regional Winner – River Valley H.S. – Caledonia, Ohio

Karly Carson– Regional Winner – Mona Shores H.S. – Muskegon, Michigan

Christopher Kareck– Regional Winner – Reed H.S. – Reno, Nevada

Mathias Merriweather– Regional Winner – Northside H.S. – Fort Smith, Arkansas

Alexander Millsaps– Regional Winner – West Iredell H.S. – Statesville, North Carolina

David Schell– Regional Winner – Griffith H.S. – Griffith, Indiana

Danielle Villa– Corporate Winner – Niles H.S. – Niles, Michigan

 

United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 120,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.57 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013. UFCU has also been named the National Federal Credit Union of the Year 2013 by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.