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18 high school branch students awarded two-year scholarships from VyStar Credit Union and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation

Jacksonville, FL (June 11, 2024) |

VyStar Credit Union is thrilled to announce that 18 outstanding students from our High School Branch Program will be awarded two-year Florida Prepaid College Plan scholarships in partnership with  the Florida Prepaid College Foundation (FPCF).

FPCF matched VyStar’s contribution toward these scholarships’ dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact. Each scholarship covers 60 credit hours at a Florida public college, or the equivalent funding at another qualified educational institution.

“These scholarships represent our unwavering commitment to empowering young minds and investing in the future of our communities,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg. “As we celebrate their achievements, we are proud to support their educational journeys and look forward to witnessing the impact they will undoubtedly make as future leaders.”

Students enrolled in a VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program in eight school districts were eligible to apply. The program was established in 2006 and has provided 2,004 paid internship opportunities and delivered financial education training to more than 130,000 students.

“We are proud to partner with VyStar to offer 2-year college scholarships to these deserving students,” said Florida Prepaid College Foundation Director Cynthia O’Connell. “VyStar has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting financial education and literacy, supporting the future workforce in Florida.”

The winners were selected from a pool of 56 exceptional candidates. These students have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also remarkable leadership, dedication, and promise.  Grading criteria included categories such as GPA, short essay, work experience, extracurricular activities/community service and more.  One student was selected from each High School Program.

VyStar High School Branch Scholarship Recipients

  1. Bartram Trail High School – Maria Rita Mankin
  2. Bradford High School – Teagan Bradley
  3. Belleview High School – Amy Fuentes Rodriguez
  4. Clay High School – Drew Boree
  5. Fernandina Beach High School – Jasmine Marie Benwell
  6. First Coast High School – Illyana Recinos
  7. Fleming Island High School – Khloe Lloyd
  8. Fletcher High School – Briana Thomas
  9. Mandarin High School – Kadyn Par
  10. Matanzas High School – Austin Weeks
  11. Middleburg High School – Makayla Marie Rathjen
  12. Orange Park High School – Emily Moore
  13. Palatka High School – Amaris Mack
  14. Pedro Menendez High School – Lindsey Shea Pacetti
  15. Ribault High School – Skye Andrews
  16. West Nassau High School – Victoria Nichole McCormack (Brown)
  17. Wolfson High School – Amina Zelihic
  18. Yulee High School – Skylar Powell

Learn more about the VyStar High School Program.

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