PHILADELPHIA , PA (June 1, 2026) |
American Heritage Credit Union (“American Heritage”) awarded 30 high school senior members a $1,000 scholarship to help ease the financial burden of higher education expenses. American Heritage’s Scholarship Committee selected the 2026 recipients based on their scholarly merits, community and school involvement, a letter of recommendation, credit union eligibility, and a submitted essay describing where the applicant sees themselves in the next five years, and which steps they will take to realize this vision.
American Heritage invited the scholarship recipients and their parents to its Scholarship Banquet at American Heritage’s Main Campus to celebrate their achievements and receipt of the scholarship. The dinner was held in the evening on Thursday, May 21. Recipients and their families had the opportunity to meet credit union leaders from American Heritage, as well as American Heritage Board members Jennifer Hannigan and James Thompson.
The Scholarship Program honors American Heritage’s Chairperson Emerita, Cecilia B. Grady, who served on American Heritage’s Board of Directors for over 40 years. American Heritage’s annual scholarship program represents her dedication to financial literacy, education, and community outreach.
“At American Heritage, we're proud to support the next generation of community leaders by helping ease the financial pressures associated with rising higher education costs,” said Bruce K. Foulke, President & CEO of American Heritage. “Today’s students are graduating with more debt than any previous generation, which is why we remain committed to offering our Scholarship Program. These funds are designed to be flexible, allowing students to use them in the way that best supports their academic and career goals. Congratulations to this year’s Cecilia B. Grady Scholarship recipients — we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!”
2026 Cecilia B. Grady Scholarship Program Recipients:
|
Patrick Baniewicz |
La Salle College High School |
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Brendan Boyd |
Souderton Area High School |
|
Maura Del Grippo |
Cinnaminson High School |
|
Micah Depakakibo |
Upper Merion Area High School |
|
Gabriella DePalma |
North Penn High School |
|
Ja’Mya Ervin |
Highland Regional High School |
|
Andrew Fortsch |
Liberty High School |
|
Hannah Freedman |
Acellus Academy |
|
Maeve Henry |
Quakertown Community High School |
|
Julia Hertkorn |
Central Bucks High School South |
|
Maya Imperato |
Radnor High School |
|
Jessica Jesteen |
Masterman High School |
|
Grace John |
Central High School |
|
Shauna Kerlin |
Pottsgrove Senior High School |
|
Kinley Kirk |
Southern Lehigh High School |
|
Kayla Klepeiss |
Pennridge High School |
|
William Kull |
Abington Senior High School |
|
Madelyn Lorenzo |
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School |
|
AJ McGill |
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy |
|
Jenavieve Mendez |
MaST Community Charter School |
|
Manik Narula |
Central High School |
|
Meghan O’Donnell |
Plumstead Christian School |
|
Jake Ruppert |
Father Judge High School |
|
Jillyan Saperstein |
Harry S Truman High School |
|
John Slavin |
Abington Senior High School |
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Dylan Smith |
Southern Lehigh High School |
|
Molly Tepper |
Cherry Hill High School West |
|
Rose Waldron |
Souderton Area High School |
|
Ethan White |
Pennridge High School |
|
Hannah Wilson |
MaST Community Charter School |
Pictured: Jennifer Hannigan, Secretary – American Heritage Credit Union Board of Directors (left-hand side) & James Thompson – American Heritage Credit Union Board of Directors (right-hand side)