Connex Credit Union Awards $6K In Scholarships To Local Students

From Connex Credit Union: After reviewing more than 80 applications, Connex Credit Union has selected three local students as the 2019 winners of its annual scholarship program. As part of its ConnexCares philanthropic initiative, the credit union awards $6,000 each year to assist with the high cost of tuition, books and living expenses.

To qualify, students were required to meet a strict set of educational standards and submit an essay answering the question, “What is the most important money management lesson you have learned in high school that will help you manage your money and live comfortably in college?”

The Nicolas G. Hackett Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) was established in memory of Nicolas Hackett, a longtime volunteer at Connex Credit Union. The 2019 recipient is New Haven resident Myana Mallory, a senior at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven. Myana is a mentor for a girls’ community group, volunteers at a soup kitchen, and works as a camp counselor. In addition, Myana, at age 16, began her own company, GlowGetter, designed to promote positivity, self-love and confidence while embracing individuality.

Myana will be attending Quinnipiac University, majoring in Business Management and Administration.

The John R. Edwards Community Involvement Scholarship ($2,000), established in honor of Connex’s former President and CEO of more than 35 years, is awarded to a student demonstrating a commitment to community service. This year’s recipient is Valerie Gimler of North Haven. Valerie is a senior at North Haven High School with a 4.65 GPA. She plans to attend the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Occupational Therapy. She has performed more than 500 hours of community service, including being a peer mentor at the middle school, volunteering at the North Haven Rotary and Educational Foundation, and has coordinated fundraising efforts for “The Sisters Project,” a local organization that supports families affected by cancer.

The Arthur B. Haesche Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) named in honor of one of the founding members of Connex Credit Union, is awarded annually to a student majoring in business or finance. The recipient of this year’s Arthur B. Haesche Memorial Scholarship is Tessa Mackey of Guilford.

Tessa currently attends Brown University and is majoring in Business Administration. Her accolades include captain of the women’s crew and hockey teams, residential adviser, and recipient of the Brinsmade Award, Robert Mortel Award for excellence in the performing arts, and The Trinity Book Award for high scholastic standing and service.

“The selection committee felt there were many impressive candidates who have already made some extraordinary accomplishments in their young lives. I can tell you the committee’s decisions were not easy,” said Frank Mancini, president and chief executive officer, Connex Credit Union. “Congratulations to Myana, Valerie, and Tessa outstanding young members of the community. I wish them the best of luck with their studies and bright futures.”

To learn more about ConnexCares or any of Connex’s other financial programs, please visit connexcu.org.

About ConnexCares:

ConnexCares is Connex Credit Union’s charitable and philanthropic program. The mission through ConnexCares is to promote financial literacy, well-being and understanding to our members and the greater communities Connex serves.

About Connex Credit Union:

As the Unbank, Connex Credit Union is one of Connecticut’s largest credit unions serving more than 58,000 members at eight branches. Headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut, Connex is a full-service credit union that offers members a full-range of financial services and products. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school or worships in New Haven, Hartford, Middlesex or Fairfield counties. For more information, please call 1-800-CR-UNION or visit connexcu.org.