High school seniors awarded scholarships by Desert Financial in virtual ceremony
16th Annual Community Service Scholarship honors students giving back through volunteerism
PHOENIX, AZ (May 11, 2020) — In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2020 was deprived of the usual milestone celebrations. But 19 Valley students were recognized not just for their academic achievements, but for their passion for giving back in what may have been their only public celebration.
On May 5th Desert Financial Credit Union hosted the 16th Annual Community Service Scholarship Awards. The program is open annually to all members of the credit union and their related family members, and rewards exceptional students who have contributed 50 or more hours of service in the community.
This years’ traditional celebrations were held virtually instead, and the current climate lent even more meaning to the ideals of service to others. Continuing their commitment to share success and support education, Desert Financial awarded a record-breaking $62,500 to the ambitious high school seniors.
Their interests and stories are as diverse as the students themselves, with intended majors ranging from biomedical engineering to forensic psychology and special education. While their career aspirations might be varied, they share a common bond: a passion for serving others. One overcame a life-threatening illness; another, a severe learning disability that influenced their motivation to help others.
“While academics are important, we want to recognize students who made extraordinary commitments to serving their communities,” said Jeff Meshey, President and CEO at Desert Financial. “Sharing success by serving others is a guiding principle at Desert Financial, so this award matches our own shared value system.”
During the ceremony, the students learned the value of each scholarship, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. In addition, they enjoyed surprise announcements: their scholarships would be available to renew in their sophomore year with community service hours met; and, each one also received an iPad to assist with college coursework.
“Community service means a lot to me. This past summer, I went on a mission trip to South Africa to help out impoverished families and it was a life-changing experience. To see how poorly those families lived, yet how optimistic they were was so powerful to me and it helped me to form a positive and optimistic mindset for myself,” said Kathryn Nelson, one honoree heading to Arizona State University.
Students interested in investigating the application for the 2021 Community Scholarship Award program can visit the website for more details. Application requirements include:
- Completing 50+ hours of community service in 2019
- A 3.0+ cumulative GPA
- Plan to attend an in-state college or university in the fall
- Membership at Desert Financial member (or related to a member)
- Show a demonstrated financial need based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
About Desert Financial Credit Union
Celebrating 85 years in Arizona, Desert Financial is the state's most trusted local credit union with over $8 billion in assets, 400,000+ members and 48 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2023, members received $16 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus, and the credit union became the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University®. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.
