Coast Central Credit Union President/CEO James T. Sessa announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in the number of scholarships awarded and selected 25 exceptional high school seniors out of 70 applications submitted. CCCU had previously awarded 19 students last year and 11 the previous several years. Scholarships are based on a written essay describing their ability to overcome adversity, displayed commitment to make a positive impact on their schools or communities, and academic performance or improvement. Each recipient receives a total of $5,000 over four years in pursuit of higher education.
2023 recipients
Arcata High: Miles Townsend
Del Norte High: Raymond Endert, Lukas Kennedy, Samantha Munoz
Eureka High: Virginia Brooks
Ferndale High: Kyla Albee, Tiara Russ
Fortuna High: Levit de Jesus Cantu Castillo, Kylee Fennell, Max Gonzales, Rylan Lommori, Samson Petersen
Hayfork High: Kaden Lee, Lilly Napier, Jayden Swanson, Patschuablaiku (Rosie) Vang
Hoopa High: Libby Hailey, Nae-rew Martin
McKinleyville High: Marisa Crone, Giovani Gonzalez, Nilah Molofsky, Kacie Mooers, Derek Ray
South Fork High: Gwenyth Tatton
Trinity High: Kenneth Rupp
“We are excited to be able to award scholarships to over one third of those who applied,” Sessa stated. “With thanks to our members for directly supporting our giving programs, this group of young people has clearly displayed they will make a positive impact on our world in the future.”
In addition to college scholarships, Coast Central provides monetary support through its Community Investment Grant and Sponsorship programs for a total of $650,000 planned for 2023. Coast Central employees also contribute 3,500 hours annually through its Commitment to Community volunteer program.
Coast Central Credit Union is the largest member-owned financial institution in the area, with $2 billion in assets, nearly 77,000 members, and operating 11 Member Services Branches throughout Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties, including McKinleyville, open six days a week and Bayshore Mall, open seven days a week. Additionally, members have access to a network of 30,000 free CO-OP ATMs nationwide. Individuals who live or work in any of these counties may bank at CCCU by applying at coastccu.org/join. More information is available at coastccu.org.