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Trax Credit Union announces 2023 scholarship winners

TAMPA BA, FL (September 11, 2023) — The Trax Youth Scholarship program provides critical financial assistance while promoting education, personal growth, community development and a sense of social responsibility. In 2023, Trax provided scholarships to six students. Applicants were required to submit an application and essay explaining what it means to be a youth member at Trax.

Applicants were evaluated based on categories including, but not limited to, Community Involvement, Educational Accolades, Overall Grade Point Average, and Credit Union knowledge. Each of the selected recipients earned a $1000 scholarship. 2023 Trax Scholarship recipients’ bios, essays, and pictures can be found at www.traxcu.com/scholarship.

“By engaging and serving young members effectively, Trax can establish strong foundations for growth, innovation and community impact.” said Peter Giorgianni, President/CEO of Trax Credit Union. “Youth members embody the future of the credit union movement, and we are proud these leaders choose to bank with Trax.”

Applicants must be a primary member in good standing with Trax Credit Union and be a graduating senior in high school or college student (rising freshman, sophomore, junior or senior) at an accredited non-profit college or university. Each applicant must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average.

2023 All Aboard Scholarship Winners

Kiera Taylor

Kiera graduated from Richard C. Spoto High School with a cumulative weighted GPA of 7.5. She plans to attend the University of California and study Biomedical Engineering. Kiera was a Collegiate Academy Ambassador and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She received various awards including the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award, College Board National African American Recognition Award, and the Award of Excellence for Science.

Jamar Randolph Jr

Jamar attends Florida State University where he will study Nursing. Jamar graduated from Jesuit High School where he was a member of the Italian Club, Spanish Club, Pre-Med Club, and the African American Club Vice President. Jamar was the running back for the Varsity Football Team, yet still volunteered at

countless community organizations including Metropolitan Ministries, Humane Society, Special Olympics, Feeding Tampa Bay, and the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Program.

Jamaal Harris

Jamaal graduated from Howard W. Blake High School with a cumulative 3.5 GPA. He will be attending Capital University in Ohio to play sports and study Music Technology. Jamaal was a member of the National Honor Society and received an internship at Patel Conservatory for Music Technology. He is an active Tampa Fire Rescue Cadet and was a leader in the nonprofit back to school haircut program. Jamaal also received the WeSeeU College Bound Senior Award.

Emele Gaspar

Emele graduated from East Bay High School with a cumulative GPA of 5.95. She attends Hillsborough Community College where she is studying Mass Communications. Emele is the HCC Ybor SGA Student Media Coordinator, the HCC Ybor Hawk Media Club Vice President and has received various awards. She received the HCC Student Excellence Award: Mass Communications, the HCC Student Excellence Award: Outstanding Club Leadership and the HCC Student Excellence Award: English.

Alyssa Ruiz

Alyssa graduated from Armwood High School with a cumulative 6.0 GPA. She plans to attend Southeastern University where she will study Business Management. Alyssa was a member of the Armwood Collegiate Program where she earned her Associates of Arts Degree before graduating High School. She was in the AVID Honors program, an Honor Roll student, and an active volunteer of Anointed Word Church.

Avery Pena

Avery is a graduate of Wiregrass Ranch High School where she had a cumulative 3.5 GPA. She plans to attend Florida Atlantic University to study Film. Avery received the Sutton Foster Award, was deemed the Best Segment Editor, and was a member of the Theatre Club. She was a volunteer with PB&J Ministry, as well as the VBS Program at Bay Chapel.

Applications are now being accepted for 2024 at www.traxcu.com/scholarship

About Trax Credit Union

Established in 1935, Trax Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $480 million in assets and nine branches located throughout Hillsborough, Polk, and Pasco Counties. Trax is headquartered in Tampa, Florida and serves more than 44,000 members. For more information on Trax, visit www.TraxCU.com for more information.