Charter Oak Awards $100,000 in Scholarships
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union hosted a reception on Thursday, May 28th, to award $100,000 in scholarships to 50 deserving high school and college students from New London and Windham counties.
These students were selected by a committee that reviewed more than 170 applications to Charter Oak’s 2026 Community Giving Scholarship Program. Applicants were required to submit a detailed essay demonstrating their commitment to academic achievement, as well as how they plan to give back to their local communities. Essay topics included improving local parks and recreation centers, creating services for the homeless population and supporting local food pantries.
“Since launching our Scholarship Program in 2009, Charter Oak has awarded more than $1 million to students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and a strong commitment to community service,” said Craig Knell, President and CEO of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to support this year’s recipients as they pursue their educational goals and continue making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”
Congratulations to the following 2026 Community Outreach Scholarship winners: High school recipients (sorted by school): Talan Ladyga, Bacon Academy; Anna Rossi, East Lyme High School; Julia Morcos, East Lyme High School; Alina Guzman Almonte, Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School; Lauren Galeota, Ellington High School; Xeineze Perez Perez, Ellis Technical High School; Matayo Swepson, Griswold High School; Jayden Durand, Killingly High School; Kane Geddis, Killingly High School; Samantha Bourque, Killingly High School; Margaret Dykes, Ledyard High School; Eleanor Rodgers, Lyman Memorial High School; Sylvie Hiltz, Lyman Memorial High School; Kody Jamieson, Marianapolis Prep School; Chase Volpe, Marine Science Magnet High School; Dylan Sheffer, Marine Science Magnet High School; Ashlynn Audoin, Montville High School; Matthew Chen, Montville High School; Charles Lugo-Uhler, New London High School; Mckaylie Francis, New London High School; Olivia Benjamin, New London High School; Jacob Tavarez, New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus; Faustine Canales Arrieta, Norwich Free Academy; Vivian Lau, Norwich Free Academy; Paige Sears, Plainfield High School; Gabriela Brown, Pomfret School; Paige Perry, Putnam High School; Isabella Barnett, Quinebaug Middle College; Avery Horan, Robert E. Fitch High School; Jeremiah Baig, Robert E. Fitch High School; Vanessa Colla, Saint Bernard School; Micah Korinek, Stonington High School; Sophie Hryn, Stonington High School; Ava Lee, Waterford High School; Riley Wertz, Waterford High School; Ava Vangieri, Wheeler High School; Jae-Sun Cherrington, Windham High School; Jeylis Rodriguez Morales, Windham Technical High School; Andrew Landreville, Woodstock Academy.
College recipients:
Evan Watling, CT State Quinebaug Valley; Justin Wellman, Gordon College; Andrew Longolucco, Keene State College; Leila Brooks, North Carolina A&T State University; Hailey Gregorzek, CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley; Grace Cosmopoulos, Quinnipiac University; Lilah Moran, Quinnipiac University; Erin O'Farrell, Saint Anselm College; Joshua Stanavage, University of Connecticut; Katherine Harren, University of Scranton; Bryn Miller, University of Vermont.
Charter Oak awards scholarships annually and will begin accepting applications again in January 2027 for the 2027–2028 academic year. To learn more about the Credit Union’s scholarship program, please visit CharterOak.org.
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is like a bank, just better! We've been proudly serving eastern Connecticut since 1939 and we offer great checking, deposit, lending, insurance, and investment products. And because we’re a credit union, we’re owned by our members, not by shareholders. So we can offer lower rates on loans and higher rates on deposits. It’s easy to become a Charter Oak member: simply live, work, worship, learn, or volunteer in New London or Windham counties. So join today and see why Members Bank Better at Charter Oak!