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LaPlace — Louisiana Federal Credit Union (FCU) is excited to announce the recipients of its annual Ronald E. Thomas Memorial Scholarship. Five graduating seniors in southeast Louisiana were chosen by the credit union to receive $2,000 each. The 2021 scholarship recipients are Thomas Chapman of St. Charles Catholic High School, Skye Taylor of East Ascension High School, Emily Bradford of Lutcher High School, Blakely Heltz of St. Charles Catholic High School and Mia Schaubhut of Lutcher High School.

The scholarship, named for the late Ronald E. Thomas, who served as a Louisiana FCU board member for more than 65 years, recognizes graduating high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership and altruism in the community.

For many students, financial stress can make it difficult for them to achieve their highest potential in college. A 2019 national student financial wellness study found that 72% of college students experience financial stress, resulting in higher drop-out rates, health issues and lower GPAs.

” Every student’s story is different, but the financial gap in paying for college is consistent,” said Rhonda Hotard, president and CEO at Louisiana FCU. “We offer the R.E.T. Memorial Scholarship to help reduce financial concerns for students and their families, so that they may focus on their educational goals and reach their full potential. ”

“l wanted to help my parents out financially with this and I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to have this scholarship. It’s going to help me a lot,” said Heltz. “I’m putting (the scholarship money) in a savings account at Louisiana FCU just in case I need extra money. Since I opened an account, my dad was able to as well. He was really excited about that!”

Louisiana FCU actively participates in educating youth in southeast Louisiana about financial literacy through a variety of products that encourage teens to develop money management skills, track financial decisions and learn how to budget for their future.

 

About Louisiana FCU

Louisiana Federal Credit Union is a full-service not-for-profit financial institution serving more than 34,000 members in the River Parishes, Tangipahoa and Ascension Parish region. For more information about the credit union, visit www.LouisianaFCU.org.