Pioneer Valley Chapter Celebrates 2025 Scholarship Recipients
The Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Cooperative Credit Union Association proudly celebrated ten outstanding students at its annual Scholarship Award Presentation this week. Each recipient, representing one of five local credit unions, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement, community leadership, and personal growth.
This year’s applicants tackled the thought-provoking essay prompt: "How a failure or setback in your life shaped who you are today." The winning essays reflected resilience, insight, and a deep commitment to personal development.
The Chapter extends its sincere thanks to Scholarship Committee members Kara Herman and Megan Lagoy for their dedication and thoughtful review process.
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients! Your hard work, service, and determination inspire us all. We’re honored to support your educational journeys and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
From Arrha Credit Union
Jordyn Rossi - Patricia Napolitan Scholarship
Jordyn graduates from West Springfield High School in the top 20% of her class. Throughout high school, she challenged herself with multiple AP courses including English Literature, Statistics, Psychology, US Government, and Research, while also pursuing dual enrollment at Westfield State University and Springfield Technical Community College.
As President of Student Government, Jordyn plans events and coordinates fundraising initiatives, demonstrating exceptional leadership. She has served as captain of both varsity field hockey and softball teams for all four years, balancing academics with athletics.
What truly distinguishes Jordyn is her courageous journey with mental health. In 2021, she sought treatment that transformed her perspective on life, inspiring her to pursue psychology as a career path. This profound experience has fueled her desire to help others facing similar challenges.
Jordyn has committed to Elms College to pursue her education in psychology.
Congratulations Jordyn
Mia Culver - Patricia Napolitan Scholarship
Mia graduates from Longmeadow High School with strong academic achievements. She's an active player on the Varsity Softball team, recognized by coaches for her maturity and team spirit.
Her dedication to community service is extraordinary. As a volunteer at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, she serves as a lecturer, CCD assistant, and fundraiser. Mia was selected as a representative for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conferences, where she presented ideas to government dignitaries. She regularly distributes food at The Grey House in Springfield's North End and participates in the Helping Hand Club's charity drives.
Mia works as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and Assistant Group Leader for Longmeadow Parks and Recreation, demonstrating responsibility and work ethic. In her essay, she described how being deferred from her top-choice school transformed into an opportunity for growth and resilience.
Mia has been accepted to Providence College, University of New Hampshire, and Marist University.
Congratulations Mia
From Freedom Credit Union
Aidan Flaherty - Paul MacDonald Scholarship
Aidan graduates from West Springfield High School in the top 13% of his class, having completed seven AP courses across diverse subjects. His leadership emerged early as soccer team captain, and he later joined track as a sprinter, developing valuable teamwork skills.
Aidan's commitment to service shows through his volunteer work with "Take and Eat," preparing meals for people in need. He has been active in Irish Club for all four years, hosting visiting students from Ireland. As MIAA Student Ambassador, he organized fundraisers for causes including breast cancer research, veterans' support, and mental health awareness.
What sets Aidan apart is his journey overcoming ulcerative colitis, diagnosed in 2020. Through years of medical treatments and dietary changes, he learned to advocate for himself and refuse to be defined by his condition. This remarkable resilience demonstrates extraordinary character.
Aidan has been accepted to UMass Amherst, Quinnipiac University, Western New England University, and Springfield College.
Congratulations Aidan
Eibhlinn White - Al LaRiviere Scholarship
Eibhlinn graduates from West Springfield High School in the top 7% of her class. Her educational journey includes eight college courses through Westfield State University's dual enrollment program, demonstrating her commitment to advanced learning.
She has excelled as a varsity athlete in cross-country, indoor and outdoor track, while also serving as an accomplished equestrian competing at high levels for six years. Eibhlinn supported the "Terriers Closet" program providing necessities to students in need and served as a peer mentor and tutor in the After School program.
What truly distinguishes Eibhlinn is her inspiring journey as a childhood cancer survivor. She has transformed her early medical experiences into a passionate calling to pursue nursing, with plans to specialize in Pediatric Oncology or Emergency Medicine. Her desire to provide the same comfort she received as a patient shows remarkable empathy and purpose.
Eibhlinn has been accepted to Temple University, Penn State University, Sacred Heart University, and the University of South Carolina.
Congratulations Eibhlinn
From Mass Mutual Credit Union
Ben Schnipke - Dave Plantier Scholarship
Ben graduates from Leo High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the top 10% of his class, earning Principal's Honor Roll recognition for three consecutive years. He balanced academics with athletics as a member of the basketball team, demonstrating impressive time management.
His commitment to service shines through his active participation in Northeast Church youth group, where he mentored younger members. Ben's community service extends to building wheelchair ramps for individuals with disabilities, teaching Sunday school, and officiating youth basketball games. He gained professional experience through an internship at Preferred Financial Group.
In his essay, Ben shared how multiple finger surgeries prevented his participation in golf and basketball—activities central to his identity. Through this challenge, he learned to find value beyond sports and developed a deeper appreciation for supportive relationships. This experience shaped his character and taught him the importance of perseverance and gratitude.
Ben has been accepted to Indiana University, Purdue Fort Wayne, Taylor University, and St. Francis.
Congratulations Ben
Noelani Santiago - Dave Plantier Scholarship
Noelani graduates from Springfield International Charter School in the top 10% of her class. She completed seven Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment at American International College, demonstrating academic excellence across multiple disciplines.
As a six-year varsity basketball player and team captain, Noelani led her team to the 2022-2023 State Championship, receiving Athlete of the Week and Unsung Hero awards from MassLive. Her leadership extends to creating and running a youth basketball enrichment program, sharing her passion with younger players.
What truly sets Noelani apart is her extraordinary resilience after tearing both ACLs—first in her left knee and then in her right knee shortly after returning to play. These devastating injuries required surgery and extensive rehabilitation, forcing her to relearn basic movements. Rather than allowing these setbacks to define her, Noelani transformed them into opportunities for growth and inspiration for a healthcare career.
She has been accepted to Worcester State University, Mass College of Pharmacy and Health, Emmanuel College, and Western New England University.
Congratulations Noelani
From Pioneer Valley Credit Union
Charlotte Kocsmiersky - Ed Minor Scholarship
Charlotte graduates as valedictorian from Springfield Central High School, having completed 11 Advanced Placement courses throughout her high school career. She serves as Student Body President, managing social media and organizing school events, while also holding positions as both Secretary and Treasurer of the National Honor Society.
Her commitment to service is evident through earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award in 2024 and leading environmental initiatives as President of her school's Environmental Club.
In her scholarship essay, Charlotte shared a powerful story about overcoming language barriers during a service trip to the Dominican Republic, which fostered her empathy for students at her school who speak English as a second language.
Charlotte has been accepted to Springfield College, UMass Amherst, and American University.
Congratulations Charlotte
Philip Orszulak - Ed Minor Scholarship
Philip graduates from Ware High School ranked 4th in his class. He completed 4 AP courses, 8 honors courses, and dual enrollment classes at Holyoke Community College, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence.
His leadership abilities shine through his roles as Student Council President and Class President, where he has organized fundraisers and community activities. Philip has also served as Vice President of the National Honor Society and Secretary of the National Art Honor Society. His involvement extends to the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils, helping organize conferences for hundreds of students.
In his compelling essay, Philip shared his determination to save his school's golf program when it faced elimination due to low participation. His perseverance and advocacy skills ultimately succeeded, teaching him valuable lessons about persistence and commitment.
Philip has committed to attending the University of Notre Dame this fall.
Congratulations Philip
From UMass Five Federal Credit Union
Anna Shadrick - Kathy Hutchinson Scholarship
Anna graduates from Hampshire Regional High School ranked 8th in her class. She completed challenging AP classes including Language & Composition, US History, Studio Art, Statistics, and Biology, demonstrating her academic versatility.
As Secretary of the Hampshire Regional Academic Society, Anna helped organize fundraisers that raised over $500. She has been a dedicated member of the Yearbook Committee since 2020, now serving as Editor for both Middle School and High School yearbooks. As part of the Project 351 Regional Leadership Team, she has led multiple service initiatives including clothing drives, toy drives, and food drives benefiting local organizations.
In her thoughtful essay, Anna shared how rejection from the Voices of Tufts program became a valuable learning experience about resilience and perspective.
Rather than allowing this setback to define her, she persevered with her college applications and has received acceptances from the University of Connecticut, University of Rhode Island, and Saint Anselm College.
Piyusha Majgaonkar - Kathy Hutchinson Scholarship
Our final recipient, Piyusha, graduates from Hopkinton High School with exceptional academic performance. She completed extensive AP coursework and gained valuable experience as a Microbiology Lab Intern at Massachusetts General Hospital, studying pathogens and contributing to publishable research.
Piyusha's leadership is exemplary. She founded "Learn It," a nonprofit organization with over 800 members across 14 global chapters that has raised $20,000 in prize money. She also leads her school's Health Occupations Students of America chapter with over 150 members. As a Student Board Member at Project Just Because food pantry, she completed over 100 volunteer hours and organized multiple fundraisers.
In her powerful essay, Piyusha shared how witnessing discrimination against a Spanish-speaking mother at a food pantry inspired her to learn multiple languages to break down barriers, particularly in healthcare settings. This experience connected with her own observations of subtle racism toward her Indian immigrant parents, fueling her passion for inclusive healthcare.
Piyusha has been accepted to numerous prestigious universities including UMass Amherst, UConn, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh.
Congratulations Piyusha
