LIHU‘E — Gather Federal Credit Union distributed a total of $10,000 in scholarships to 10 graduating high school seniors during a brief ceremony at the Gather FCU Kukui Grove West offices on Thursday afternoon.
“This is a very special time of year where Gather Federal Credit Union takes pride in giving back to the community in the form of scholarships to a deserving group of high school seniors, said Gather FCU Executive Vice President Justin Ganaden. “Today, we wish these young men and women all the best as our leaders of tomorrow.”
The Gather FCU Your Choice scholarships were presented to two students graduating from Kapa‘a High School, seven from Kaua‘i High School, and Benedict Deris Uri, from Waimea High School, who said he was inspired by his older sister who is in college.
Ian Garces and Tatum Harper are the recipients graduating from Kapa‘a High School.
Chenelle Mae Andres, Elias Casillas, Talen Koerte, Jeanine Marie Grace Longboy, Priscilla Matthews, Colton Mills, and Willsendane Karl Soriano are the recipients from Kaua‘i High School.
To be eligible for the scholarships, the students needed to be a member of the Gather FCU. Each applicant was judged on their respective academic merit, personal essay, their relationship and extra-curricular activities within and out of their respective school, and their involvement within the community.
Gather FCU’s Marketing Manager Terri Kaniho expressed the credit union’s appreciation to the Scholarship Committee, which included three professionals with degrees and experience with the Department of Education for volunteering their time to review the many applications.
Gather Federal Credit Union, celebrating its 70th community charter and establishing the scholarship program in 2005, has the ability to serve all the residents of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.
Gather FCU is a $760 million financial institution that serves more than 38,200 members through its network of six branch offices situated in Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a, Koloa, ‘Ele‘ele and Waimea.
