Our Team Pelican Scholarship Award Program is in its 11th year, and the students that apply continue to showcase their ever-growing skillsets, determination and dedication to Pelican’s values.
Since 2008, we’ve awarded scholarships to deserving high school seniors across the state. Pelican has given out over $50,000 in scholarships since we’ve started!
Looking for other scholarships?
Check out our blog post featuring five Louisiana scholarships for high school students!We had 62 students apply this year—our highest number ever! These applicants have over 1,000 combined volunteer hours and are directly making an impact on their communities. It was a really tough decision for our volunteer-based scholarship committee.
Pelican is proud to announce our 2018 Team Pelican Scholarship winners! Find out what makes them stand out, and read how they’ve demonstrated good financial planning in their life:
Ascension Parish – Haley Hill
Haley Hill is a Dutchtown High School graduate. She was a member of Science Club, BETA Club and Student Council. She also served as the secretary for the National Honor Society. She was a member of the volleyball team and the Dutchtown High School Mentor Program. Haley also volunteered as the Youth Food Outreach Coordinator for the Mission Outreach Program, serving food to elderly and low-income families in Iberville parish.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“As a senior in high school who is preparing to start college in the fall, practicing good financial planning has become an integral component of my daily life. These habits have aided me in effectively budgeting my money. For this year’s prom fees, I created a budget and saved $35 every two weeks, which enabled me to purchase items that I needed.”
Caddo Parish – Olivia Davis
Olivia attended Caddo Magnet High School, where she served as vice president of the YWCA Lead Program for two years. She regularly sings in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Choir. Olivia also founded a program called Libbey’s Chemo Kits as a way to heighten cancer awareness within her generation.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“When I was ten years old, I remember decorating a box beautifully to keep excess change or extra money and keeping it hidden from my little brother. Each time I received money from relatives or for special occasions, I would immediately place at least half of the money in my box and convince myself that it did not exist. Over a period of time, the money increased to a surprisingly huge amount!”
Calcasieu Parish – Zach Mercy
Zach is a graduate of Alfred M. Barbe High School. He has been a member of the Chemistry Club, Future Business Leaders of America and Mu Alpha Theta Math Club for four years. He is an accomplished athlete, having been a member of the swim team and cross country team for four years. Zach has also regularly volunteered his time with the Lake Area Industry Alliance’s Trash Bash and ChemExpo, BHS’s Chemapalooza and the Children’s Ministry at Trinity Baptist Church.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“I tried to begin the journey of creating a successful financial plan quite recently. Within the last year, I have established an online business, multiple bank accounts and widened my portfolio. Rarely do I ever consider buying items that are not necessities, rather I save the money in my account or portfolio.”
Chambers County – Madison McGehee
Madison attended Barbers Hill High School, where she achieved the Eagle Honor Roll, A-B Honor Roll and was a member of the Silliman Institute’s National Honor Society. She was a member of the track and basketball teams and USA Track and Field. Her volunteer efforts include involvement in Toys for Tots, the Pumpkin Patch for Kids Festival and assisting victims of Hurricane Harvey.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“I have demonstrated good financial planning pretty much every day since I opened a checking account. I utilize my debit card for almost all transactions, and I consistently check my account balance online to keep track of all my expenditures.
If I want to buy something, I make sure I can afford it as well as give myself a strict budget to adhere to. Because I have a job, I strive to pay for my own things and keep track of what I am spending. I am always making sure I have more than enough money in my account before making purchases.”
East Baton Rouge Parish – Kiswayla Scott
Kiswayla is a graduate of Zachary High School. She was a two-year member of the BETA Club and served on the Zachary High Cheer Team for four years. She regularly volunteers her time at the 360 Christian Center Church, serving as Peer Youth Counselor and leading adult praise & worship.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“I have had several opportunities to practice good financial planning during the course of my life. One in particular was getting my first credit card.
I applied for a credit card and was approved with a $500 limit. I use the card to purchase gas for my vehicle, but don’t exceed $100 in my monthly spending limit. I don’t max my card out and make sure to use under 20% of the credit line they gave me. I pay the card off completely each month.
This has also affected my credit score in a positive way. My score has increased a few points because of this practice! The card also gives points and rewards that I would not necessarily get if I was using cash.”
East Feliciana Parish – Myles Simmons
Myles is a graduate of the Silliman Institute. He is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society. He served as Student Body President for his senior year and received the Scholastic Award for the 2017 varsity football team. Myles also volunteers his time at nursing and special needs homes during the holidays.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“Financial planning is a useful tool in order to set short and long-term goals in one’s life. When one has a plan, it is much easier to stay on track to meet those goals.
For a few years now, I have set aside small amounts of money into a savings account in order to pay for college. I have saved a good bit so far and plan to continue saving throughout my time in college.”
Planning for college?
Find out how you can start preparing to pay back student loans before, during and after college!
Lafayette Parish – Kylie Shows
Kylie attended Lafayette High School, where she was a member of BETA Club for two years and a six-year Sign Language Club member. She also served as a manager for the volleyball team. Kylie’s service to her community includes helping children learn to read and volunteering with Bark in the Park and Express Fest for the Deaf Education Department.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“One time I had been saving money to put in my account, and I had been saving for a while. Well, I had finally saved up about $300, since I get ‘paid’ $100 for every nine weeks that I make the principal’s list on my report card.
I saw some boots that I really wanted. So, the thought on making the right decision began. I weighed the pros and cons, and thankfully I made the right decision to deposit the money into my account instead of buying the boots. This was a good decision, because I could spend a little bit of money over a long period of time buying things I actually need, instead of spending $300 all at one time on something I wanted.”
Livingston Parish – Emily Otken
Emily is a graduate of Denham Springs High School, where she was selected as the DSHS Student of the Year and served as Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta. She has been an active member and volunteer of Live Oak United Methodist Church and the Livingston Parish Children’s Choir for 12 years. Emily has also volunteered 55 hours of her time at Ochsner Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“I demonstrated good financial planning when I opened my savings account at Pelican State Credit Union. I had received the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Volunteer of the Year Scholarship, and I made the responsible decision to place my money in the credit union.
I placed my Masonic Lodge Honesty and Integrity Scholarship in the account also and will continue to do so with any other scholarships I receive. This money will go toward paying for my college textbooks and fees.”
Want to save some fast cash?
Read our blog post on how to save quick money in college!
Livingston Parish – Kaleb Morgan
Kaleb also graduated from Denham Springs High School. He has participated in many extra-curricular activities including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mu Alpha Theta, AP Society and the Jacket Pride Band. He has served as the Live Oak Baptist Church sound tech for three years and has been a member of the church’s band for two years.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“Good financial planning will allow you to be better prepared when you want to make major financial decisions such as buying a car, home or boat. For example, last year I started saving months in advance for vacation to Disney World in Florida.
By doing this, it allowed me to have extra money to spend on souvenirs and food I wouldn’t typically have been able to purchase. I also saved money for several years in my savings account to be able to put towards my first truck and college.”
Ouachita Parish – Michael Villordon
Michael attended Neville High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society and was also selected as Neville High School’s Student of the Year. He was a member of the Varsity Speech and Debate Team for four years, serving as Captain his junior and senior years. Michael has volunteered for a number of causes including flood relief, Meals on Wheels, the Interact Club and the Eco Club.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“I have demonstrated good financial planning by keeping my spending to a minimum, only spending money on things I need or want very badly. In such a sense, I have saved money for a rainy day, one of the keys to a balanced checkbook and happy life.”
Rapides Parish – Alyssa Bradford
Alyssa is a graduate of Pineville High School and a 4-year honor roll recipient and Key Club member. She is member of the cheer team, powerlifting team and the Pineville Softball Team. Alyssa’s volunteer work includes being a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army and participating in the Night to Shine Special Education Prom.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“The importance of good financial planning is so you see the big picture and set long and short-term life goals, a crucial step in mapping out your financial future. When you have a financial plan, it’s easier to make financial decisions and stay on track to meet your goals.
Financial planning provides meaning and direction to my financial choices. By clearly identifying and prioritizing my personal financial goals, I am able to better understand how each financial decision impacts other areas of my finances.”
St. Landry Parish – Taylor Guillory
Taylor graduated from Opelousas High School, where she served as Student Body and BETA Club President during her senior year. She served on the Student Council for four years and was a member of the Art Club for two years. Taylor’s service to her community includes tutoring other students and volunteering with the Inseparable Friends Benefit Society.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“Planning well financially is extremely important for present and future purposes. Financial planning helps you determine your short and long-term financial goals and create a balanced plan to meet those goals.
This year, I have planned extremely well. I have been setting money aside for essentials I will need in college such as, books, meals and gas.”
Tangipahoa Parish – Noah Williams
Noah graduated from Ponchatoula High School, where he was the Vice President for the National Honor Society and served on Student Council. He served as section leader for Advanced Choir and Vice President of the local Students Against Destructive Decisions Chapter. Noah’s volunteer efforts include tutoring students in 5th and 6th grade at the local community center after school.
How do you demonstrate good financial planning?
“Ever since I began banking with Pelican State Credit Union, I have made saving the majority of my income a necessity. I am conscious of my earnings and the amounts in which I can spend without going below my minimal balance.
Throughout my senior year of high school, I have demonstrated good financial planning and budgeting by balancing my checking and savings accounts. I control and evaluate all of my spending so I can spend comfortably. In fact, I have received multiple monetary incentives from Pelican State Credit Union for showing financial stability and saving.”
Congratulations to all of our Team Pelican Scholarship winners!
We want to hear from you! What do you think of our scholarship winners’ essay answers?
Once a Pelican State CU member, always a member—through life’s milestones, we’ll always be there to help you with your financial needs. Your Financial Family for Life. Give us a call at 800-351-4877.
