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GKCU Celebrates 10th year of College Scholarships
Georgetown, SC – The class of 2012 commemorates the 10th year of the GKCU college scholarship program. Renamed the Randolph Elliott Scholarship in 2011, five area high school students were added to the long list of past recipients and recognized as the 2012 recipients. Each recipient was awarded a $1,000 scholarship that can be used as a supplement to offset costs of tuition, books or room and board at any two- or four-year college.
The recipients for the 2012 GKCU College Scholarships are: Thomas Rogers of Andrews High School who will be attending the University of South Carolina; Kaity Papadopoulos of Georgetown High School who will be attending the University of South Carolina; Elizabeth Surratt of Waccamaw High School who will be attending the University of South Carolina, Ella Alston of Kingstree Sr. High School who will be attending Clemson University; and Bradley Pierce of Georgetown High School who will be attending the Honors College at the University of South Carolina.
The scholarships were renamed this past year to honor the memory of long time GKCU employee, volunteer and credit union advocate, Randolph Elliott. As a promoter of the ‘people helping people’ philosophy, Elliott helped further the credit union movement through his years of employment and volunteer efforts. Having served as a volunteer on GKCU’s Credit Committee for over 20 years, an employee for over 17 years, and volunteer on the Board of Director for 12 years, Elliott was an advocate for the education and financial responsibility for our community. In 2011, the GKCU scholarship was renamed to honor his memory of commitment and dedication to GKCU.
“We couldn’t think of a better class to recognize as our 10th year recipients. We are so proud to continue our commitment for financial education from the classroom to the graduation stage. All of these recipients are deserving of this recognition and are strong models of what you can accomplish with hard work, focus and determination” states Nikki Ewing, GKCU Marketing Director.
A 3-person committee comprised of GKCU volunteers selected the recipients based on their academic and extracurricular activities at school, community involvement and services and work and leadership experience.
“The class of 2012 has many to be proud of. All of our applicants displayed strong commitments to their educational and community involvement but while still remaining passionate and excelling in individual interests. Being well-rounded with participation in scholastic and extracurricular activities, they also displayed strong work ethics and a deep commitment to the areas in which they have grown up. We are honored to recognize them for their accomplishments and help them take the next steps in their lives to higher education,” states Ewing.
In total, GKCU received 25 applications from schools in both Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. Applicants are required to be a GKCU member or son/daughter of a GKCU member. The application details interests in school and community, work and leadership experience, an essay on community service and a letter of recommendation. The recipients and their families were recognized during a special reception held in May where GKCU Board members and staff members could personally congratulate them.
Georgetown Kraft Credit Union is a member-owned, full-service financial institution with branches in Georgetown, Andrews and Kingstree and Pawleys Island. Celebrating 60 years of financial service to the area, Georgetown Kraft Credit Union is able to serve anyone who lives, works or attends school in Georgetown and Williamsburg counties. Georgetown Kraft Credit Union employees 44 people and offers a wide range of financial services and lending products. For more information on joining the credit union, call or visit gkcu.org.