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SECU AWARDS $18,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO SCC STUDENTS
State Employees Credit Union presented Southeastern Community College with an $18,000 check to go towards scholarships during an awards ceremony on Oct. 19 in the SCC auditorium.
“It’s a great day when we can recognize our students and our partners,” said Dr. Chris English, SCC president. “State Employees Credit Union has been a long-standing provider of scholarship funds to students attending the 58 community colleges in the state, and Southeastern is no different.”
English explained that two types of scholarships were awarded: the Bridge to Career Scholarship and People Helping People Scholarship. The Bridge to Career Scholarship is designed to help students in short-term training classes. The People Helping People Scholarship is a competitive $5,000 scholarship given to two people who best represent the philosophies of SECU.
People Helping People Scholarship recipients were Aaron Mitchell and Maurice Simmons. English described them as exemplary students who participate in leadership organizations, student government, campus activities, athletics and community service.
“I want to say thank you to State Employees Credit Union for you being here today and your on-going support for students,” English said. “Congratulations! This is a fantastic day for you and your adventure towards graduation, obtaining a great career and entering the workforce.”
SCC Financial Aid Specialist Natasha Villalobos said the Bridge to Career Scholarship is given to students enrolled in classes that lead to state-regulated or industry-recognized credentials such as nurse aid, medical billing and coding and EMT.
“Every year, the State Employees Credit Union gives 30 scholarships in the amount of $500 per student that can be used for registration fees, course fees, books and other supplies,” Villalobos said. “Among the recipients we have today, there are students who are unemployed, under employed and military veterans.”
Speaking on behalf of the Bridge to Career Scholarship recipients was Tenasia Roseboro, a clinical medical assistant student. As a single mother of two children, Roseboro said the scholarship “is opening doors for my family and I.” She wants to provide a better future for her children, and she said the scholarship is helping her do that.
“I want to open my own business and give back to my community,” Roseboro said. “And this is giving me that chance to get started.”
Bridge to Career Scholarship recipients were Rashaunda Abbey, Courtney Bellamy, Shanika Billings, Harleigh Britt, Carmelia Ellis-Leach, Savannah Floyd, Enika Ford, Whitney Fowler, Cari Hayes, Christopher Hilbourn, Lauren Hilbourn, Ader Howard, Valenzia Johnson, Jakinah McCullan, Brittany Newton, Christie Paige, Alexia Powell, Mia Ravenell, Susanna Reeves, Latrinda Robinson, Dyanna Rogers, Tenasia Roseboro, Kayla Stanley, Kansas Stephens, Xavier Williams and Melissa Wilson.
“I want to thank State Employees Credit Union for helping our students pursue their certificates and receive work through Bridge to Career scholarships,” said Sheila Dockery, director of financial aid. “It also helps our curriculum students with the People Helping People scholarships. We hope to continue our relationship with SECU for many years to come.”
Representing State Employees Credit Union at the ceremony were Theron McKvian, a Whiteville advisor board member; Emily Elkins, vice president and city executive of Whiteville branch; and Yolanda Stringfield, vice president of Tabor City branch.
