HFS Federal Credit Union awards $45,000 in scholarships
HILO, HI (June 4, 2024) — The hopes and dreams of local students are alive and well despite economic challenges and the rising costs of post-secondary education. HFS Federal Credit Union understands the need and is here to help!
For the past 13 years, the Credit Union has awarded over $235,000 in scholarships to more than ninety student members to help with their college expenses. This year, ten scholarships were awarded to graduating Big Island high school seniors and five scholarships to current college students attending a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate program. Each recipient was awarded $3,000 for a total of $45,000 in scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Recipients include a 2-year student who is majoring in Fire and Environmental Emergency Response, nine 4-year students heading off to various colleges for the first time and five current college students completing degrees in Psychology, History, Nursing, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Sociology, Biochemistry, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science. The Credit Union is proud to support its student members who will one day be leaders in the community and positive contributors in the workforce.
HFS Federal Credit Union congratulates the following scholarship recipients:
- Leahi Coloma (Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i)
- Richard Gonsalves (Hilo High School)
- Nāli’ipō’aimoku Harman (Ke Kula ‘o Nāwahīokalani’ōpu’u Iki PCS)
- Daphne Igloria (Kea’au High School)
- Lucas Kay-Wong (Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i)
- Avani Naleimaile (Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i)
- Cheydon Naleimaile-Evangelista (Waiākea High School)
- Kāhilikūikala’i Paleka (Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i)
- Andrew Paresa (Waiākea High School)
- Elwin Shotts (Parker School)
- Ewalea Dameg (University of Hawai’i at Hilo)
- Sandy Galves (University of Hawai’i at Hilo)
- Wilde Germano (Colorado State University, Pueblo)
- Kale’a Kuamo’o (California State University, East Bay)
- Kaliko Tangaro (Chamberlain University)
Jesica Carriaga, HFS Federal Credit Union Scholarship Committee Chairperson says, “We received many impressive applications this year, which made choosing just 15 recipients difficult. Congratulations to all 2024 graduates on your accomplishments thus far, and we look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the future.”
HFS FCU releases applications at the beginning of each year, offering scholarships for both graduating Big Island high school seniors pursuing a 2 or 4-year degree, as well as current college students pursuing a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate degree. For more information, please contact the Credit Union at (808) 930-1400 or visit our website at hfsfcu.org/scholarships/.
About HFS Federal Credit Union
HFS Federal Credit Union (HFS FCU) is the largest not-for-profit and member-owned financial institution on Hawai’i Island. Established by just nine individuals in 1937, HFS started with very humble beginnings. The Credit Union continued to grow from serving just employees of the Federal and Territorial Governments in the County of Hawai‘i and their families, to now offering membership to any person who lives, works, or attends school on Hawai’i Island.
For more information about HFS FCU and additional eligibility criteria, contact the Credit Union at (808) 930-1400, visit www.hfsfcu.org or stop by any of our branches in Hilo, Kea‘au, Prince Kuhio Plaza, Honoka‘a, Waimea or Kona. You’ll quickly see why HFS is the credit union where caring counts.
