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Gerber Federal Credit Union awards essay scholarship winners
FREMONT, MI (June 13, 2014) — Gerber Federal Credit Union awarded a total of $1,750 as a result of its first Annual Essay Scholarship program. Entrants were asked to explain “The Value of Saving” in 300-500 words. Entries were accepted from Gerber Federal Credit Union members currently attending their senior year of high school and planning to attend an accredited technical school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university, or an apprentice program.
Kera Howell, a recent graduate of Fremont High School, is the First Place winner. She was awarded $1,000 and publication of her essay in the Gerber FCU quarterly member newsletter. Kera’s essay described how she began to learn about the Value of Saving at a very young age. She became accustomed to saving half of her monetary gifts and using the other half to spend on miscellaneous wants. She continued these practices on through her teenage years as she began to work and earn a paycheck. Her essay explained how she has learned that life doesn’t always go as planned and if she resists the urge to spend all of her money as soon as it is received, she will have money available in case of an emergency. Kera plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall.
Calvin Crandell, a recent graduate of Fremont High School, is the Second Place winner and was awarded $500. Josh Balcom, a recent graduate of West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids, MI, is the Third Place Winner and was awarded $250.
John Buckley, President/CEO of Gerber Federal Credit Union, says education is one of the credit union’s core values. “Financial education needs to begin with that first piggy bank and then continue throughout the rest of our lives. We are committed to provide programs that improve our member’s financial well-being at every stage of life and are extremely proud to support young members planning to continue their education.”
Essays were submitted by email and mail. Our panel of judges included three educators from various school districts and a member of management from the local hospital. Judges evaluated the essays after all identifying information or reference to school district was removed. The essays were evaluated on Topical Relevance, Quality of Writing and Punctuation & Spelling.
For more details regarding Gerber Federal Credit Union’s Annual Essay Scholarship, visit www.gerberfcu.com/scholarships and watch the quarterly member newsletter Dollars & Sense for 2015 entry requirements.
Gerber Federal Credit Union has more than 13,000 members with assets totaling over $125 million. Over 120 businesses have partnered with Gerber FCU to offer the benefit of credit union membership to their employees, students, volunteers and family members! For membership details, visit www.gerberfcu.com/youbelong. Gerber FCU has two offices located in Fremont, MI, one in Newaygo, MI and one in Fort Smith, AR. Connect with us on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter.