group of graduates in cap and gowns holding diplomas and happily smiling for camera

HRCU offers three types of honorary scholarships in recognition of long-serving volunteer members of the credit union’s Board of Directors.

 

Virgil C. Scott (“Scotty”) Volunteer Community Service Scholarship

As a high school teacher and coach for 37 years, Scotty motivated and inspired his students. He personally volunteered his time as a member of our Board of Directors. Scotty was a credit union advocate for well over 30 years, last serving as HRCU’s Treasurer.

HRCU will award two $1,000 scholarships for community service this year. All eligible students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for supporting their community are encouraged to apply.

 

Richard (“Dick”) J. Ketz Athletic and Academic Achievement Scholarship

An educator and coach for more than 30 years, Dick encouraged students to strive for excellence. He was committed to the credit union and served as a volunteer member of our Supervisory Committee and Board of Directors. Dick advocated on behalf of the credit union for more than 40 years, last serving as a credit union Director.

HRCU will award two $1,000 scholarships for athletic and academic achievement this year. All eligible students who demonstrate both athletic and academic excellence are encouraged to apply.

 

Charles (“Charlie”) Lantz Technical, Skilled, & Vocational Trades Scholarship

A devoted community leader and long-standing skilled trades education teacher, Charlie instilled a passion for learning and inspired students to pursue technical and vocational career paths. He brought his expertise and dedication to HRCU from its earliest days. Charlie served on the Board of Directors for more than 56 years, including tenure as past Board President, helping to guide the credit union’s vision.

HRCU will award two $1,000 scholarships for technical, skilled, or vocational trades this year. All eligible students who demonstrate excellence in a technical, skilled, or vocational field at the high school level are encouraged to apply.

 

Each demonstrated the values of volunteer service to others, as well as the credit union movements’ philosophy of “people helping people.” We are proud to offer these scholarship awards in honor of their legacy of service to others.

Eligibility

Virgil C. Scott (Scotty) Honorary Scholarship for Volunteer Community Service

        • Open to all high school seniors graduating in the year of application who are credit union members or are children of credit union members and will be attending an accredited post-secondary school, college, university, or vocational school in the fall.
        • All applicants must be credit union members by the April 30th deadline.
        • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in a college preparatory, business, or vocational curriculum.
        • Eligible candidates may apply for multiple awards but will qualify to receive only one.
        • Children of Hidden River Credit Union employees, staff, volunteer committee, or members of the Board of Directors are ineligible for the scholarship awards.

 

Richard (Dick) J. Ketz Honorary Scholarship for Athletic & Academic Achievement

        • Open to all high school seniors graduating in the year of application who are credit union members or are children of credit union members and will be attending an accredited post-secondary school, college, university, or vocational school in the fall.
        • All applicants must be credit union members by the April 30th deadline.
        • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in a college preparatory, business, or vocational curriculum.
        • Eligible candidates may apply for multiple awards but will qualify to receive only one.
        • Children of Hidden River Credit Union employees, staff, volunteer committee, or members of the Board of Directors are ineligible for the scholarship awards.

 

Charles (Charlie) Lantz Honorary Scholarship for Technical, Skilled, & Vocational Trades

        • Open to all high school seniors graduating in the year of application who are credit union members or are children of credit union members and will be attending a technical, skilled, or vocational program, or an accredited post-secondary school offering such programs in the Fall.
        • All applicants must be credit union members by the April 30th deadline.
        • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in technical, skilled, or vocational curriculum. Members of Future Farmers of America are also eligible.
        • Eligible candidates may apply for multiple awards but will qualify to receive only one.
        • Children of Hidden River Credit Union employees, staff, volunteer committee, or members of the Board of Directors are ineligible for the scholarship awards.

Qualifications

Virgil C. Scott (Scotty) Honorary Scholarship for Volunteer Community Service

        • Established record of active volunteer service within the community in which he or she lives and strong desire to continue to serve within a volunteer capacity.
        • The primary basis for awarding the scholarship is demonstrated enthusiasm for volunteer community service that reflects the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

 

Richard (Dick) J. Ketz Honorary Scholarship for Athletic & Academic Achievement

        • Established record of both athletic and academic achievement at the high school in which he or she attends.
        • The primary basis for awarding the scholarship is demonstrated excellence in both athletics and academics at the high school level, while exemplifying good sportsmanship, strong leadership qualities, and a positive impact on their school or community.

 

Charles (Charlie) Lantz Honorary Scholarship for Technical, Skilled, & Vocational Trades

        • Established record of attendance in a technical, skilled, or vocational program. Members of Future Farmers of America (FFA) are also eligible.
        • The primary basis for awarding the scholarship is demonstrated excellence in a technical, skilled, or vocational field at the high school level, along with a commitment to advancing skills and pursuing additional education for a technical, skilled, or vocational-driven career path.

Requirements

        • Complete, sign, and submit scholarship application(s) (available below) by the April 30th deadline of each year.
        • Attach a copy of the applicant’s high school transcripts through the last semester (quarter) prior to the April 30th deadline.
        • Submit a typed essay of 500 words or less:

– For the Virgil C. Scott Volunteer Community Service Award Only – Describe how the applicant has been affected, developed, or impacted by their previous volunteer service; or how the applicant has impacted the person or organization in which they served, prior to the April 30th deadline.

– For the Richard J. Ketz Athletic & Academic Award Only – Describe how the applicant has developed themselves both academically and athletically, as well as their leadership qualities, and how their achievements have positively impacted others, prior to the April 30th deadline.

– For the Charles Lantz Technical, Skilled, & Vocational Trades Award Only – Describe why the applicant is passionate about their chosen technical, skilled, or vocational trade, and detail their commitment to pursuing additional education for a technical, skilled, or vocational-driven career path, prior to the April 30th deadline. (If completed, also provide the results of each applicant’s National Occupational Competency Testing Institute “NOCTI” assessment or standardized test.)

        • Include two letters of recommendation, not to exceed two pages, for each applicant from a personal mentor, leader, teacher, coach, or community or organization leader who is NOT a family member. Each letter should describe in detail the efforts and service contributions of the applicant. These letters must be received prior to the April 30th deadline.
        • Include a copy of the applicant’s acceptance letter from a post-secondary school if received prior to the April 30th deadline.
        • Completed applications must be postmarked prior to the April 30th deadline and all materials submitted with the application will not be returned. All scholarship recipients will be notified by mail within 30 days of the application deadline and will be publicly announced upon acceptance.
        • Please submit all paperwork to:

Hidden River Credit Union
ATTN: Scholarship Name (Virgil C. Scott, Dick J. Ketz, or Charles Lantz Scholarship)
60 Westwood Road
Pottsville, PA 17901

Application Process

HRCU will provide the following scholarship awards:

 

Virgil C. Scott (Scotty) Honorary Scholarship for Volunteer Community Service

        • Two (2) annual $1,000 awards for member applicants planning to attend an accredited post-secondary school, college, university, or vocational school.

 

Richard (Dick) J. Ketz Honorary Scholarship for Athletic & Academic Achievement

        • Two (2) annual $1,000 awards for member applicants planning to attend an accredited post-secondary school, college, university, or vocational school.

 

Charles (Charlie) Lantz Honorary Scholarship for Technical, Skilled, & Vocational Trades

        • Two (2) annual $1,000 awards for member applicants planning to attend a technical, skilled, or vocational program, or an accredited post-secondary school.

 

These one-time awards are made payable to the recipient. Previous award recipients will be ineligible to apply in the future.

Apply for a Scholarship!