Kettering, OH (June 2, 2026) |
Day Air Credit Union is pleased to announce that Sydney Wilson and Luca Malenich are the recipients of the 2026 Bettina L. Buscemi Memorial Scholarship. The Bettina L. Buscemi Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Bettina L. Buscemi, a long-time valued Day Air Credit Union associate. This scholarship is awarded annually to local students who demonstrate academic achievement and community involvement.
Sydney Wilson, a 2024 Northmont High School graduate currently attending Spelman College, is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry. During her time at Spelman, Sydney has earned recognition as a Dean’s List scholar, was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and was named a DeWitt Dean Scholar for her outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and potential for continued success. She also serves as a Lead Ambassador for Spelman College Student Ambassadors and is actively involved in organizations including the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), P.U.L.S.E., and Sisters Keeping It Real Through Service (S.K.I.R.T.S.).
In addition to her academic and campus involvement, Sydney remains committed to serving her community. She has volunteered with Good Neighbor House since 2015, supporting underserved communities through medical, dental, and food assistance. She also volunteers weekly at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, assisting patients and families while gaining valuable clinical exposure in her future field.
Luca Malenich, a 2026 Alter High School graduate, will attend The Ohio State University this fall to pursue a degree in Finance. Luca graduated seventh in her class and earned numerous honors, including AP Scholar with Honor recognition, Ohio State University Honors Student status, the Ohio Governor’s Merit Scholarship, and membership in the College Board National Recognition Program. Throughout high school, she served as Captain of Mock Trial, Varsity Swim Team, and Science Olympiad while also participating in organizations such as the Love in Action Youth Social Justice Council, Hope Squad, and the Alter High School Lancerettes Dance Team.
Luca has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through annual mission trips to Louisa, Kentucky, where she helped complete home restoration projects for families in need. She volunteered with House of Bread through her Magnified Giving Senior Capstone project and participated in numerous Kiwanis Key Club service projects benefiting local community members. Her dedication to leadership, service, and academic excellence has made a lasting impact both in and outside the classroom.
“We are honored to support students who are not only excelling academically, but who are also making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities,” said Amy Cline, Director of Member Services at Day Air Credit Union. “Sydney and Luca truly embody the spirit of the Bettina L. Buscemi Memorial Scholarship through their leadership, service, and dedication to creating positive change. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and support them as they continue pursuing their educational goals.”
