SouthWest Federal Credit Union Awards $10,000 in College Scholarships

SouthWest Federal Credit Union recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to 10 local graduating seniors.

More than 35 applications were received from students in Washington, Iron and Beaver Counties, each vying for one of the 10 scholarships given to college-bound seniors. Each of them also had to excel academically and in extracurricular activities, plus demonstrate their commitment to community service. Aside from their sheer academic strength, the needs of even the best students are apparent.

“There is no way I would be able to pay for college on my own,” said Haley Wilson of Hurricane High School, who will be studying Pre-Medicine at University of Utah this fall. “Without outside help, I might not be given the chance to attend school…to accomplish the goals I have set for myself.”

While the decisions were difficult, from a list of well-qualified students, all of this year’s award winners had at least a 3.5 GPA.

“As a community credit union, we’re committed to supporting the educational needs of our local students,” said Muriel Blake, president and CEO of SouthWest Federal. “We’re happy to help these dedicated students as they strive and continue to achieve their best in their pursuit of education.”

This year’s scholarship winners are Jessica Mitchell (Snow Canyon), Heidi Gardner (Enterprise), Blake Overson (Parowan), Brandon Pena (Canyon View), Tanya Jensen (Cedar), Kristina Larsen (Hurricane), Dustin Harris (Hurricane), Haley Wilson (Hurricane), Rachel Thayer (Hurricane), Tausha Clay (Hurricane)

SouthWest Federal Credit Union began offering scholarships to graduating seniors more than 10 years ago in response to the growing needs of well-qualified local students wanting to attend college. Since then, the program has grown to provide 10 scholarships to local graduates in the Credit Union’s field of membership, from Beaver to St. George.

SouthWest Federal is the only locally administered and longest serving credit union in Southern Utah. Serving the five-county area of Southwest Utah, plus Mesquite, Nevada and Northwest Arizona, SouthWest Federal Credit Union was established in St. George in 1937.