Caldwell Campus student Vincent Rossi and Watauga Campus student Mathew Powell were selected to receive the $5,000 award from the SECU Foundation.
Both Rossi and Powell have been heavily involved with local civic organizations in and around the community.
Rossi has volunteered with the South Caldwell High School Special Olympics, has helped with football camps and in uniform fundraisers for elementary and middle school students, and has participated in outreach activities for the elderly with his church youth group. Rossi is a second-year student working toward an Associate in Art degree with plans to transfer to a four-year university in the future.
Powell’s community involvement includes volunteering for the Watauga County Back 2 School Festival, Week of the Young Child, Buildfest and other causes. He has also served as a child abuse prevention advocate and volunteered with the Children’s Council of Watauga County where he is also now currently employed. Powell is working toward an Associate in Art and hopes to transfer to Appalachian State University and continue his work with the nonprofit sector.
The SECU Foundation established this two-year scholarship program to assist North Carolina Community College System students in achieving academic success. The members of the State Employees’ Credit Union take an active role in assisting organizations and communities across North Carolina. Scholarship recipients considered are students who best exemplify the membership philosophy of credit unions, “People Helping People,” and have demonstrated leadership, excellence of character, integrity and community involvement.