3Rivers Credit Union doubles scholarship after record-breaking contest turnout

FORT WAYNE — In a year marked by incredible talent and overwhelming participation, 3Rivers Credit Union announced a surprise amplifying of its annual scholarship contest awards. Originally set to award $50,000 in scholarships to 25 students, the program has doubled its impact, awarding $100,000 to 50 exceptional student members throughout its service areas.

Each winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship, with honorees selected across three categories:

Essay submission winners (30 students)

Students submitted a 750– to 1,000-word essay highlighting a special place in their community or a meaningful local tradition that brings people together. Winners are: Allyson Speckman, Anna Franks, Ava Stuckey, Bernardo Leal Sierra, Chelsea Harris, Chloe Hilvers, Damaya Moore, Delainy Verfaillie, Derek Dailey, Derek Neuhaus, Emily Ramsey, Emma Michell, Heidi Warner, Joelle De Lisle, Kenny Gihozo, Lauren Collins, Levi Riecke, Lorelei Colby, Lydia Yoder, Madelyn Hutt, Mason Wire, McKayla Ringger, Michaela Debbe, Miranda Freeman, Morgan Shifferly, Olivia Lake, Raeanna Neely, Ryan Ndlovu, Sarah Tourney, and Scott King.

Art submission winners (10 students)

A new option this year, students were asked to create a drawing or painting representing a person, place, or experience in their community that positively impacted them, along with a 300-word description. Winners are: Aubrey Anderson, Blair Stabler, Dylan Lehrman, Eleanor Schmitt, Eliana Naghipour, Julianna O’Brien, Natalie Blair, Paige Hout, Rebekah Lalor, and Silas Refner.

Randomly selected bonus winners (10 students)

Students who met with 3Rivers’ Youth & College Support Team to discuss financial aid, college, or career goals received a bonus entry, doubling their chances to be drawn in the random winner selection. Winners are: Aaron Kistler, Camden Rice, Carisa Barker, Eli Patrick, Elijah Watkins, Jade Carnahan, Joslyn Marcum, Lilliana Gonzales, Tessa Garrett, and Tyler Beer.

“We believe in investing in our youth, not just through scholarships, but by offering meaningful guidance and support as they navigate their futures,” said Jordan Hersey, Youth & College advisor. “These students inspire us, and we’re honored to be part of their journey.”

Looking ahead

The 3Rivers Scholarship Contest is run annually, with the next contest expected to open in spring 2026. In the meantime, students are encouraged to connect with the credit union’s Youth & College Support Team at college@trfcu.org for help with college planning, financial aid, and career readiness.

For more information and to view the winning art entries, visit 3riversfcu.org/scholarship.

About 3Rivers: 3Rivers Federal Credit Union empowers our community to achieve financial wellness through personalized service, tools, and education. Founded in 1935, 3Rivers is a member-owned, not-for-profit, cooperative that serves over 130,000 members with 24 branches and nearly 500 employees. Offering a complete line of financial services, including mortgages, business services, college funding, and retirement planning. For more information, including how we give back and invest in our community, visit www.3riversfcu.org/community.