MIRAMAR, Fla. – A mother with dreams of a brighter future for her daughter; a high school grad who has her sights set on a career in nursing; an FIU student who struggles with dyslexia while still making the Dean’s List.  What do they all have in common? They are among 10 students awarded $1,000 scholarships from Tropical Financial Credit Union.

This is the sixth year for the program created to help local students further their education. This year, Tropical Financial selected three students currently attending college, four adults who are going back to school to further their career and three recent high school grads who are about to start college. They are: 

• Ashley Aguiar, from Miami, currently attending University of Florida. This is the second year Ashley has received a scholarship. 

• Bobie Albritton, from Coral Springs, currently attending Broward College.

• Kayla Baker, from Pembroke Pines, currently attending FAU.

• Samantha Benjamin, from Miami, currently attending Hofstra University.

• Bethany Floyd, from Miramar, will attend Barry University.

• Richard Guy, Jr., from Miami, currently attending Florida International University.

• Margarita Hernandez, from Miami Lakes, currently attending Miami Dade College.

• Jenna Huben, from Coconut Creek, will attend University of Florida. 

• Camila Peralta, from Pembroke Pines, will attend University of Florida.

• Lauren Sanchez, from Miramar, currently attending Florida Atlantic University.

“One of our key missions at the credit union is to help our members achieve their financial goals,” said Rich Helber.  “I love our scholarship program because it allows our young adults to lessen the cost of a higher education, while preparing themselves to become financially independent.” 

“One of my favorite things about Tropical Financial is the fact that we are directly involved with the community,” said Rich Helber, president/CEO. “Our scholarship program allows us to help smart and deserving students lessen the cost burden of a higher education while they prepare themselves to become financially independent. The program is a highlight of my year.”

All of the applicants were required to submit an essay highlighting their personal and educational objectives and how Tropical Financial has, or could, help them reach financial goals. Other factors considered: community involvement, charity work and extracurricular activities.

Based in Miramar, Florida, Tropical Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution whose deposits are federally insured.  Anyone who lives or works in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Sarasota Counties is eligible to join. Tropical Financial Credit Union was formed in 1935 by employees of the former Southern Bell with just a few hundred dollars and has grown to $700 million in assets.  For more information, log on to www.tropicalfcu.com.