COMMUNITY NEWS
In its 20th year of awarding scholarships, DNCU assists students during a time of uncertainty.
Del Norte Credit Union (DNCU), New Mexico’s hometown financial cooperative, is proud to announce the ten recipients of the DNCU Scholarship program for the 2020-21 school year. Each finalist will receive $1,000 towards their higher education goals – a college or vocational school of their choice.
“The scholarship program at DNCU was created to inspire younger generations to reach their full potential and we are honored to present these exemplary students with scholarships,” explained DNCU CEO/President Chuck Valenti. “This is our way of telling the youth in our community that we value them and support their future success.”
Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, the graduating class of 2020 completed their high school education by attending virtual classes at home. They missed out on the final moments of roaming the halls beside their friends, walking across the stage with family in the stands, joining the celebrations that followed and saying goodbye to their teachers, counselors and coaches. Del Norte Credit Union is proud to assist these students as they move forward to the next phase in their journey and whatever form that may take in a “new normal.”
DNCU makes scholarships available to any current member who is a graduating senior, homeschool or GED student attending an accredited vocational school, college or university for the upcoming school year. Winners are chosen based on their academic record, work experience, statement of goals and demonstrated leadership in their schools and communities. Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America, is responsible for selection of scholarship recipients.
“I am thrilled to have received the Del Norte Credit Union Scholarship,” said DNCU scholarship recipient and credit union member, Lexy Lujan. “This investment in my future will help me turn my dreams into a reality. Thank you so much for that. Without your help, I wouldn’t be able to do everything I intend to do. I have quite the long journey ahead of me but during my years of hard work and dedication, I will not forget about the people who have helped me get to where I am, like yourself. Thank you for believing in me.”
The 2020-21 DNCU Scholarship Recipients
Talia Ben-Naim, Los Alamos High School, Los Alamos
Michael Garcia, Mesa Vista High School, Ojo Caliente
Sarah Hutchens, Home School, Los Alamos
Mateo Leyba, Escalante High School, Tierra Amarilla
Lexy Lujan, Española Valley High School, Española
Leila Pierpont, Santa Fe High School, Santa Fe
Victor Popa-Simil, Los Alamos High School, Los Alamos
Alicia Sanchez, Pojoaque Valley High School, Santa Fe
Alyssa Torres, St. Michael’s High School, Santa Fe
Abigail Wescott, Los Alamos High School, Los Alamos