Falcon Heights, MN - The SPIRE Scholarship Committee awarded scholarships to two Minnesota students. Annika Olson from Woodbury High School and Linnea Kronzer from Minnetonka High School will each receive a $500 scholarship. Noteworthy activities and achievements, along with the completion of a well-written essay, were factors in the winner selection process. 

Photo above (L-R) Brandon Severson, SPIRE Woodbury Branch Manager; Annika Olson, $500 SPIRE Scholarship Winner; and Russ Calvin, SPIRE Woodbury Assistant Branch Manager

Woodbury High School student, Annika Olson, plans to attend Colorado Christian University this fall.  Annika’s application outlined a well-rounded commitment to community by volunteering for organizations such as Trout Lake Camp’s Discipleship Team and Eagle Brook Church’s Key Club program. She was also chosen for the National Honors Society, chairing the planning committee for their largest annual charity fundriaser.  An accomplished saxaphone and clarinet player, Annika has played in concert band, small group band ensembles and the pit orchestra.  She was also involved with state and national speech competitions. 

In answering the question How has SPIRE improved the well-being of my family? Annika said that, after years of accumulating money from various jobs, “The first financial institution I tried was SPIRE.  I had such a wonderful experience that there was no need to find another. I was immediately greeted by kind employees who genuinely cared about me.  Having my own accounts has taught me financial responsibility.  SPIRE has given my family peace, but most importantly, SPIRE has given me the opportunity to save for my future.”

Photo (L-R) Linnea Kronzer, $500 SPIRE Scholarship Winner with Holly Schmidt, SPIRE Eden Prairie Branch Manager

Minnetonka High School’s Linnea Kronzer, plans to attend University of Wisconsin - Madison this fall.  Linnea’s high school career highlights include Presidential Serve Award Recipient (Gold); National Arts Honors Society member; student theater and stage crew; marching and pep band; and varsity letters in academics, theater and band.  

In answering the question, How has SPIRE improved the well-being of my family?, Linnea said, “The best thing SPIRE has done for my family is give us loans with really good interest rates when we needed to renovate our house last year.  SPIRE has improved the well-being of my family in a myriad of ways, and because of this, I have seen the importance and benefit of using a local credit union.  I definitely feel like SPIRE has my family’s best interests at the heart of their business.”

Since its inception, the SPIRE Scholarship Program has awarded 76 scholarships for a total of $40,000 to credit union members.  “We are so honored to give youth an opportunity to further their education and chase their dreams,” says Dan Stoltz, SPIRE CEO/President, “The scholarship program truly embraces the SPIRE philosophy of improving lives and giving back to community.”

About SPIRE Credit Union: A full-service financial institution, proudly serving Minnesota and Wisconsin residents since 1934. SPIRE is committed to providing smart products, great rates and excellent service with a goal to improve the financial lives for both personal and business members. SPIRE has 19 branches throughout Minnesota.  To learn more about SPIRE, please visit www.myspire.com.