SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the nation’s largest serving school employees and their families, has awarded $210,500 in college scholarships to 248 students as part of its annual Member Education Award scholarship program for 2025. Launched in 2000, the scholarship program was established to invest in Members’ long-term success. Most of the 2025 winners reside in California, with a few students representing other U.S. states.

Among the scholarship winners, seven students from Fullerton have been recognized for their academic achievements and community involvement. The recipients include:

• Lily Bell, Sonora High School
• Claire Blume, Troy High School
• Alyson Chow, Sunny Hills High School
• Melissa Cortes, Segerstrom High School (photo attached) 
• Anthony Falletta, Troy High School (photo attached)
• Sarah Gudmundsen, Fullerton Union High School
• Lilly Willis, Cal Poly Humboldt (photo attached) 

SchoolsFirst FCU presents scholarships each year to eligible high school graduating seniors, college freshmen andsophomores, to help cover the cost of books, tuition and other educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded based on students’ grade point average, difficulty of courses completed, letters of recommendation, community involvement, school involvement and leadership positions. All applicants must be a SchoolsFirst FCU Member with their own Member number, have completed no more than 60 college credits and must be registered at an accredited college/university for the upcoming Fall term.

Awardees can reapply each year if they continue to meet the applicant criteria.

“For more than 25 years, the Member Education Award scholarship program has honored well-rounded students who demonstrate success in the classroom while also contributing in a positive way to their communities,” said Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations for SchoolsFirst FCU. “We’re proud to present scholarships this year to improve the lives of these well-deserving students who are focused on furthering their education.”