State Employees’ Credit Union members, via the SECU Foundation, presented $10,000 four-year college scholarships to two local graduating high school seniors for study at one of the 16 campuses in the University of North Carolina System.

The scholarships were presented by SECU representatives during school award ceremonies:

• Kendall Elizabeth Hall, a senior at Polk County High School, for study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Wyatt Jackson Derkach, a senior at Polk County High School, for study at University of North Carolina at Charlotte;

The SECU Foundation High School Scholarship is available to graduating public high school seniors who are either members of SECU or eligible for membership through a parent or guardian. Funded by Credit Union members, the $10,000 “People Helping People” High School Scholarship recognizes the recipient’s community involvement, leadership, character and integrity, as well as scholastic achievement.

The funds are provided for tuition and university approved educational expenses over eight consecutive semesters. High school scholarships awarded for the 2018 academic year represent a $4.35 million investment in the educational goals of college-bound students.

“In keeping with the ‘people helping people’ credit union philosophy, State Employees’ Credit Union members are helping local students further their education through the North Carolina University System. Over 400 scholarships valued at $10,000 each are being awarded to students all across North Carolina including three in our county,” said State Employees’ Credit Union’s local Advisory Board member Richard Smith.

Since its inception in 2005, the SECU Foundation “People Helping People” High School Scholarship program has provided over $52 million in scholarships for North Carolina high school seniors.