Rockville Student Receives Scholarship From SECU MD Foundation

ROCKVILLE, MD — Brennan Nicholas of Rockville was one of 27 students from across Maryland to receive a scholarship Tuesday from the SECU MD Foundation, the charitable arm of the state's largest credit union.

During a ceremony at SECU's headquarters in Linthicum Heights, the foundation handed out a total of $115,000 in scholarship money to Maryland students entering a trade or technical school, college or university in the fall.

SECU named four grand prize winners — Lucero Espinal, Deanna Parker, Luke Peyton and Paris Walker — who each received $5,000 scholarships.

Nicolas, who will be attending Saint Louis University, received a $4,000 scholarship.

“The SECU MD Foundation launched its Scholarship Program on the belief that cost should not be a barrier for education and that education could open the door to a brighter future not only for our members but the communities around them,” said Becky Smith, president of the SECU MD Foundation, in a statement.

The grand prize scholarships were presented in memory of Donald Tynes Sr., SECU’s longest-serving Board member who died in March.

"This year, we’re thrilled to expand upon our program and recognize four Grand Prize Winners in honor of Donald, who served as an inspiring role model for many young professionals and who had an endless passion for giving back to his community," Smith said. "We’re truly honored to continue paying Donald’s kindness forward and helping others in his memory.”

Since the program began in 2007, SECU and the foundation have awarded more than $930,000 in scholarships to more than 300 SECU members and their families.

SECU MD Foundation will begin accepting applications in February for the 2023 scholarship program. To learn more about the program, visit www.secumdfoundation.org/programs/scholarship-program or email questions to secumdfoundation@secumd.com.