Michigan First Credit Union Awards $94,000 in Scholarships To Michigan High School and College Students

16 Oakland County students receive $25,000 in scholarships

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – March 26, 2014 – Michigan First Credit Union, in conjunction with its young adult financial education program, Young & Free Michigan, announced today the winners of its charitable online video and essay contest, awarding $94,000 in scholarships to 49 deserving high school and college students from metro Detroit. Michigan First President/CEO Michael Poulos made the announcement.

Ferndale High School’s Jordan Jackson was awarded the top scholarship in the high school essay category, receiving $10,000 to put toward her college education. Fifteen other Oakland County students received $1,000 scholarships as well.

Now in its 11^th year, the scholarship program includes three contest categories: a high school video, high school essay and college video. The top three entries in each category received $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000 scholarships respectively, while additional scholarships of $1,000 were awarded to 40 individuals. Since its inception, the program has given away more than $820,000 to local students.

“As a credit union founded by teachers, we know our members and our team believe in the power of education,” Poulos said. “As college costs continue to rise, we’ll continue to support local students and help them receive the best-possible education for their careers.”

Other scholarship winners from Oakland County include:

High school essay contest winners:

• Southfield-Lathrup High—Erica Longmire ($1,000)
• Brother Rice High School—Ikechukwu Onwuzurike ($1,000)
• University High School Academy—Maia Greenway ($1,000)
• Southfield High School—Madison Jones ($1,000)
• Clarkston High School—Joel Zuzelski ($1,000)
• University High School Academy—Matthew Arnold ($1,000)
• North Farmington High School—Lauren Black ($1,000)
• Southfield High School—Cariese Cooks ($1,000)
• Detroit Country Day School—DeVissi Crockett ($1,000)
• Southfield High School—Kierra Govan ($1,000)
• Southfield High School—Aaron Love ($1,000)
• Avondale High School—Macy McCafferty ($1,000)
• Walled Lake Western—Cierra Taylor ($1,000)
• Cranbrook Kingswood Schools—Brianna Morrow ($1,000)
• Southfield High School—Shayla Watson ($1,000)

 

The scholarships are funded by the community financial institution’s nonprofit, Michigan First Foundation. Founded in 2012, the nonprofit focuses on youth and education, contributing more than $150,000 annually to local charitable organizations and students.

To download the photo of Jordan Jackson and Young & Free Michigan Spokester Vicky Goldwater, please click on the image below.

About Michigan First Credit Union

Founded in 1926 by a small group of Detroit teachers, Lathrup Village-­based Michigan First Credit Union (MichiganFirst.com) has grown into a more than $670 million financial institution serving over 94,000 individuals and local businesses throughout Michigan. An industry leader in consumer-focused technology and dedicated customer service, the credit union is also a significant supporter of local financial education, community and charitable organizations. Largely through the efforts of the Michigan First Foundation, the credit union will donate more than $150,000 to local nonprofits and scholarships this year. For the latest news, and events, Follow Michigan First on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/MichiganFirstCU or “Like” Michigan First on Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/MichiganFirstCreditUnion.

 

About Young & Free Michigan

Young & Free Michigan, powered by Michigan First Credit Union, is an ongoing effort to give the 17-to-25 crowd a voice, a head start and useful information about their finances. Spokesperson Vicky Goldwater uses the site’s blog, videos and frequent community appearances to share insight into the best ways to handle financial issues and encourage young adults to take advantage of Michigan First’s First Gear account, tailored specifically to their needs. Learn more at www.YoungFreeMichigan.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Luke Capizzo

248.258.2333

[email protected]