SALISBURY — State Employees’ Credit Union members through the SECU Foundation recently presented “People Helping People” scholarships to local students.

Funded by Credit Union members, the $10,000 scholarship recognizes community involvement, leadership, character and integrity, as well as scholastic achievement. 

Mary Elizabeth Wood, a senior at West Rowan High School, was awarded a $10,000 four-year college scholarship for study at Appalachian State University.

Garrett Bradley Shermer, a senior at Salisbury High School, was awarded a $10,000 four-year scholarship for study at UNC-Wilmington.

Benjamin Jake Helms, a senior at Jesse C. Carson High School, was awarded a $10,000 four-year scholarship for study at UNC-Asheville.

Robert Julian Dry III, a senior at East Rowan High School, was awarded a $10,000 four-year scholarship for study at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Addison Wise, a senior at South Rowan High School was awarded a $10,000 four-year scholarship for study at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Sydney Keesee, a senior at A.L. Brown High School, was awarded a $10,000 four-year scholarshipfor study at North Carolina State University.

Anna Gurley, a senior at A.L. Brown High School, was awarded a $10,000 four-year scholarship for study at Western Carolina University.

The SECU Foundation High School Scholarship is available to public high school seniors who are either members of SECU or eligible for membership through a parent or guardian. The money is provided for tuition and university-approved education expenses over eight consecutive semesters. 

High Sschool scholarships awarded in the 2018 academic year represent a $4.35 million investment in the education goals of college-bound students.

“SECU members have a deep commitment to education in North Carolina and truly believe in the cooperative spirit of helping others,” said Janet Ruffin, a member of the local SECU advisory board. “The foundation’s annual ‘People Helping People’ Scholarship program is an opportunity to share in the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of high school seniors as they continue their academic journey through the University of North Carolina System.”

Since its inception in 2005, the program has provided more than $52 million in scholarships for North Carolina high school seniors.