HANSCOM AFB, Mass.–Hanscom FCU awarded $10,500 in scholarships to seven high school students about to begin college. Five credit union members and two students from local Air Force Junior ROTC units were recognized at Hanscom FCU’s 62nd Annual Meeting.
The Condon scholarship recipients were Gwen Gardner, Bedford, Mass.; John Connolly, Boston, Mass.; Eleanor Silver, Lexington, Mass.; Rachel Bianculli, Charlton, Mass.; and Caroline Reidy, Brentwood, Tenn.
Named after former board member John F. Condon, a valued leader at Hanscom FCU for 26 years, the scholarships for Hanscom FCU members are awarded based on academic record, extracurricular activities and an essay.
The top graduates of the Lowell High and Bedford High AFJROTC programs, Shayla Moya of Lowell, Mass. and Zachary Somers of Bedford Mass., each received $1,500 scholarships.
“We are eager to support these students as they continue their studies,” said Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta. “Education is the single best investment a young person can make for a strong financial future.”
Above, right, Condon Scholarship Committee Chairman Ray Phillips (left) and Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta (right) congratulate Hanscom FCU’s 2016 scholarship recipients at the credit union’s annual meeting. Standing left to right are Zachary Somers of Bedford Mass.; John Connolly, Boston, Mass.; and Rachel Bianculli, Charlton, Mass. Gwen Gardner, Bedford, Mass.; Eleanor Silver, Lexington, Mass.; Caroline Reidy, Brentwood, Tenn.; and Shayla Moya of Lowell, Mass. were unable to attend the event.
Separately, Meagan Fuller, right, current Miss Massachusetts titleholder, spoke at the Hanscom FCU annual meeting in Dedham, Mass.
A member of the credit union since her teens, Fuller thanked Hanscom FCU members and leadership for their support.
“Since meeting you at an event in Natick early in my year as Miss Massachusetts, you have been wonderfully supportive.”
Fuller attended a member appreciation event at Hanscom FCU’s main office in September. “I am so happy to be a member of Hanscom FCU.”
“I can personally attest to the level of member service at Hanscom FCU,” Fuller continued. “During the Miss America competition, I was travelling from Atlantic City to New York for an appearance on Good Morning America. While on the road, I received a call from the credit union about my debit card. It had been compromised, and the representative wanted to know if recent purchases were really mine. They weren’t, and Hanscom FCU was able to prevent the fraud from affecting my account.”
Fuller will continue her year as Miss Massachusetts until a new titleholder is crowned in early July
Meanwhile, Hanscom FCU said it is proud to announce that Alex Poirier, Lowell High School Air Force JRTOC cadet, has received the Paul J Marotta Reach for the Stars Award for 2016.
The Paul J Marotta Reach for the Stars Award is presented annually to a member of the Lowell High School Junior AFROTC program who excels in encouraging peers to reach their potential and best displays the core values of the U.S. Air Force. Poirer is a senior at Lowell High School.
At right, Alex Poirer, a senior cadet, accepts the 2016 Paul J. Marotta Reach for the Stars Award, presented to at the Lowell High School AFJROTC awards ceremony by Hanscom FCU Multimedia Manager Bill Burpeau.
Finally, Hanscom FCU celebrated another strong year of charitable giving at its 62nd annual meeting. A look back at 2015 revealed a number of programs benefitting children and teens, veterans, and the homeless.
“Once again, my hat is off to the staff, volunteers, and especially the members of Hanscom FCU. Our founding principal of People Helping People is alive and well,” said Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta. “Membership in a credit union is rooted in community,” he added. “It’s our nature to give back wherever we can.”
Among the CU’s initiatives:
- The sponsorship of Team Hanscom FCU in the Boston Marathon. Board Member Ray Phillips ran his 17th Boston Marathon with Boston Children’s Hospital patient partner Andy Martin, Jr. Sales Manager Mike Rzeszutek ran for a second year. The team presented a check for over $50,000 for the hospital.
- The donation of 3,255 books for homeless children in the Massachusetts Credit Union League’s statewide book drive
- Expansion of support from the Hanscom FCU Foundation, including a $100,000 donation to the Home Base Program. Home Base is a partnership of the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital that supports veterans with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- The Foundation donated $10,000 to Crossroads for Kids, a program active in greater Boston that inspires at-risk teens to unlock their potential and make a positive impact on their community.
Below, from left, David Sprague, Hanscom FCU President/CEO; Deb Samuels, president of Crossroads for Kids; Hanscom FCU Charitable Foundation Chairman Alan Hart; students from the Crossroads program at a check presentation. The funds will assist Crossroads for Kids in providing summer camp experiences and year-round support for kids in Eastern Massachusetts.