A graduating senior at South Side High School in Rockville Centre, Devin is a student leader, competitive athlete, and active community member.

In addition to being a runner and all-conference diver, she has participated in many of her school’s extracurricular programs, including the Science Honor Society, New York State Mathematics Honor Society, Art Honor Society, Model UN, Leo Club, and Habitat for Humanity, where she has participated on three build sites.

Outside of school, Devin helps her peers as an algebra 2 and chemistry tutor. She additionally volunteers with New York State Senator Kaminsky’s office.

Devin is an accomplished student who has participated in an immersive neuroscience class at Columbia University, competed in the Nassau Community College and Molloy College Science Fair, and received an honorable mention at the Long Island Science Fairs.

Devin will use her scholarship to attend the accelerated Physician’s Assistant’s Program at Kings College.

Congratulations, Devin!

An accomplished student with a passion for science and technology, Kristen Palmer is a graduating senior at Poly Prep Country Day School in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn.

Kristen is an active member of her school’s community. In addition to being a competitive fencer, she serves as the president of the Girls Who Code and Girl Up clubs and is a member of the Science Olympiad club and Lemonade, an affinity group. She also participates in the Women in Science and Technology program and serves as a peer tutor.

Outside of the classroom, Kristen has worked as a research intern at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering and volunteered as a counselor at the Innovation Space Summer Camp, where she helped children understand the fundamentals of engineering. She additionally volunteers with A Better Chance and works as a web designer for Rockaway Women for Progress, an organization that strives to protect democracy and human rights.

Kristen will use her scholarship to study computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Congratulations, Kristen!

A student leader with an impressive academic record and a keen interest in journalism, Ryan is a graduating senior at Stuyvesant High School in Downtown Manhattan.

Combining these passions, Ryan has made a meaningful difference to his peers as a homeroom leader. He is additionally a creative director for his hip-hop team, editor for the School Year Book Committee, and contributing writer for the Stuyvesant Spectator. At home, he continues to enrich his community as a youth program leader.

Most impressively, Ryan is a truly exceptional student, who will graduate with a 4.0 GPA and AP honors. He has additionally received academic recognitions such as the Gold Key Award for the 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Competition and a silver medal in the 2018 National Spanish Exam.

Ryan will use his memorial scholarship to attend the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University this fall.

Congratulations, Ryan!

A student athlete with a passion for medicine and research, Michael Ott will graduate from Valley Stream High School North this spring.

A member of both the varsity track and cross country teams, Michael is an active member of his school's community. He has participated in several clubs and activities, including Grade Council as well as the Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Language Honor Society, History Honor Society and National Honor Societies.

Outside of school, Michael has remained active by volunteering at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, where he learned about training techniques in treating troubled dogs.

Michael will use his scholarship to attend Binghamton University’s honors college, where he will study biology with the intention of attending medical school. During his first year, he will take part in a Freshman Research Immersion (FRI) Program, allowing him to conduct real research and investigate real world problems.

Congratulations, Michael!

A top competitor in the gym and in the classroom, Leila will graduate Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in Jackson Heights, Queens this spring.

A member of the National Honor Society, Leila has earned an impressive 100.41 GPA throughout her high school career. During this time, she additionally participated in the honors program, received the honor of Principal’s List each semester, and won the Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School Physics Award.

Outside of the classroom, Leila is a level 10 Gymnast and a four-time competitor at the New York State Qualifiers Meet. She is also an active member of the award winning Gym-Amazing dance team.

Despite her busy schedule, Leila is committed to giving back to her community, as she founded and organized a bi-annual diaper drive to benefit teen mothers and their children. Leila will use her scholarship to attend the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University.

Congratulations, Leila!

Isaiah is a graduating senior at Greater New York Academy in Jackson Heights, Queens who is dedicated to being a leader within his school and community.

Isaiah is committed to academic success. In addition to achieving an impressive 3.93 GPA, he has held the positions of vice president and treasurer of his school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and served as class secretary for three consecutive years. Isaiah’s passion for learning has also inspired him to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum for Medicine (NYLF) and earn a certificate from the International Culinary Center.

Outside of the classroom, Isaiah is a community leader. In addition to serving as a math tutor, he has volunteered with the Jackson Heights Pathfinder Club to serve at a community soup kitchen, contribute in park cleanup events, and support runners during the New York City Marathon. He has also volunteered as a bible station leader and participated on a 10-day mission trip to Belize, where he helped to build a school for local children.

Isaiah will use his scholarship to attend Andrews University.

Congratulations, Isaiah!

An AP Scholar and performing arts enthusiast, Imera will graduate from New Rochelle High School this spring.

Imera is an active member of the National Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Tri M Honor Society. She additionally volunteers as an AP biology and psychology tutor, serves as teaching assistant, participates as a member of the Blessed Sacrament Youth Church Choir, and mentors incoming high school freshmen.

In addition to her academic pursuits and volunteer efforts, Imera is an accomplished performer who has studied ballet for 14 years and actively works to improve her skills through her school’s PAVE program. She uses these talents to volunteer entertaining the elderly within her community.

Imera says that performing for many different audiences has inspired her to pursue a career that will help others. She will use her scholarship to attend the College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook University.

Congratulations, Imera!

An honors student and active community member, Alex is a graduating senior at Wantagh High School.

Alex is an accomplished student athlete and peer leader who will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma and 95.62 GPA. During his high school career, he has participated in the National Society of High School Scholars, New York State Science Honor Society, Key Club, and Entrepreneur Club. In addition to these activities, he is an award-winning swimmer, who serves as the captain of his school’s team.

Outside of his school community, Alex continues to help others as a lifeguard and volunteer. In addition to working with the St. Barnabas Church Food Kitchen, he has consistently participated in the annual Jones Beach Clean Up and has volunteered with Skudin Surf, an organization that aims to help special needs children learn how to surf.

Alex will use his scholarship to study engineering at the University of Buffalo.

Congratulations, Alex!

There’s a lot to love about banking with a credit union! Check out the benefits below:

1. You’re more than just a customer. First and foremost, the biggest advantage of joining a credit union is that you become a member-owner of the institution. What does that mean exactly? Most importantly, it means that you benefit from the credit union’s not-for-profit structure, which passes along its earnings directly to members, opposed to investors, and makes business decisions that will best serve the membership.

2. Credit unions offer better rates and lower fees. Banks have a bad reputation for nickel and diming customers. On the flip side, credit unions are not focused on driving profits, but on reinvesting our earnings to serve our members (who are our shareholders) through better rates and lower fees.

For example, credit unions offer higher savings rates and lower interest rates on loans. In addition to lower loan rates, members may additionally qualify for further discounts for simply setting up automatic payments.

Similarly, fewer and lower fees at credit unions make it easier for members to save and manage their money. Credit unions will also often help members avoid types of fees including service fees or loan origination fees. Be sure to carefully read the policies and guidelines for the other fees that you may end up paying.

3. Credit unions are committed to giving back. The Credit Union Movement was founded on the philosophy of “People Helping People”. Credit unions across the country are dedicated to financial services to underserved populations, engaging youth; financial education and returning profits to their members.

All credit unions have a field of membership – this is a common link that all members of a credit union share, which can be based on employment; geographic location; family or membership to a group. Because of this, credit unions take a keen interest and have a strong commitment to the issues that matter most to their members. Goodwill initiatives are often local and work directly with the needs of these communities.

4. Members often have access to free financial education. If you’re interested in a financial institution that will not just help you service your accounts but also work with you to make positive financial choices, a credit union is an excellent option. Credit unions across the country conduct financial literacy and counseling initiatives that empower their members to make smarter financial decisions.

For example, MCU’s Financially Fit Seminar Series helps to educate bother members and community members on finances by offering a series of classes dedicated to important topics including understanding credit, the importance of budgeting and identity theft and prevention. To learn more about Financially Fit, contact a member of our team at FinancialFit@nymcu.org.