SANTA ANA, Calif. – Aug. 6, 2019 – Orange County’s Credit Union, a Santa Ana-based financial services provider with more than 116,000 Members, awards four students with scholarships toward continuing their education. This year, the annual scholarship program selected the four exceptional high school and college students based on academic performance, community service, and a personal essay.

The 2019 Orange County’s Credit Union scholarship winners include:

• Izabella Apodaca, from La Serna High School in Whittier, who’s been a dedicated mentor to younger students at her high school. In addition to paying it forward in school, Izabella also volunteered her time to coach basketball teams at her former middle school and her community church.
• Nicholas Hembree, a Lake Forest native who is currently attending UC Berkeley. He has been a long-term volunteer with his local AYSO, assisting children on the autism spectrum with their soccer skills. Inspired by his work with AYSO, Nicholas created a group at his school that recruits even more volunteers for the organization.
• Rachel Arnold, a Mission Viejo resident from Trabuco Hills High School, who passed all of her AP exams with perfect scores despite dealing with an unexpected illness that resulted in frequent hospitalizations and doctor visits. Her medical journey ignited a passion for helping others going through similar experiences and now she plans on becoming a surgeon.
• Daniel Phung, a Tustin native from Tustin High School. He spearheaded a campaign that created over 250 care packages for the homeless in Santa Ana. Daniel reached out to his community for donations and discounts in order to provide basic essentials in the care packages such as blankets, socks, beanies, and toiletries.

“We’re thrilled to recognize these outstanding young leaders who have committed themselves to their academic goals and to making a difference in their community,” shared Shruti Miyashiro, President and CEO of Orange County’s Credit Union. “The Scholarship Committee was impressed by the number of standout applications we received this year, especially these four remarkable scholarship winners. We’re honored to help our young Members continue pursuing their academic goals and wish them the best of luck.”

To be eligible to participate, applicants must be a Member of Orange County’s Credit Union as well as be enrolled as a high school senior, or be an accredited college, university, or trade school student at the time of applying. Each winner received a $500 scholarship to put towards their educational pursuits for the 2019-2020 school year. This year, the Credit Union received over 60 applications, which were reviewed by the Scholarship Committee consisting of four Credit Union representatives who selected the winners.

“We received double the amount of applications this year, all with impressive academic accomplishments and community involvement,” shared Stefanie Rupp, Community Development Manager of Orange County’s Credit Union. “We’re impressed by the impact that our young Members are making in their communities and are excited to support our four winners as they continue on their academic journeys.”

For 10 years, Orange County’s Credit Union has awarded outstanding local students with scholarships to reinforce its commitment to young leaders and demonstrate a firm belief in their ability to pursue their life desires and dreams. The Credit Union is dedicated to providing financial education to local youth by offering guidance in all stages of life, from opening a first savings account to assisting through the mortgage process.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY’S CREDIT UNION

Orange County’s Credit Union is a Santa Ana-based financial services provider established in 1938 with more than 116,000 Members. As a not-for-profit financial services provider exceeding $1.6 billion in assets, Orange County’s Credit Union is owned by Members, not shareholders, which means its profits are returned to Members in the form of fewer fees, lower loan rates and enhanced products and services. Orange County’s Credit Union offers services including checking and mobile banking, savings, and retirement accounts, as well as auto, small business, and home loans, with mortgage offerings including the zero down and 3% down options. Ranked in the top 3% of credit unions nationwide based on assets, anyone who lives or works in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties can bank at Orange County’s Credit Union. For more information, visit Orange County’s Credit Union’s website at orangecountyscu.org, or call (888) 354-6228.