First Commerce Credit Union Awards Two $1,000 Scholarships to MyWay Checking Account Members

As part of its national award-winning MyWay checking program, First Commerce
provided scholarships to two members pursuing degrees in higher education

 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – First Commerce Credit Union recently awarded two $1,000 scholarships to local students who are MyWay checking account members. Through this unique program, MyWay checking account members are eligible each year to apply for the scholarships, which can be used toward expenses for higher education.

This year’s MyWay Scholarship recipients are Teagan Milhous and Manna Robertson. Milhous is pursuing a degree in Finance at Florida State University in the Fall. Robertson, who is currently attending the University of Florida, is pursuing a degree in Graphic Design.

“First Commerce is committed to empowering people to enhance their financial well-being. Our MyWay Scholarship program is just one way we invest in helping young adults start on a path toward financial success while also pursuing their academic dreams,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “We are incredibly proud of these students for demonstrating outstanding achievements both academically and beyond.”

In his essay, Milhous credits his job at the age of 16 as the teaching tools for learning how to budget. He attributes the lesson of developing financial goals to: “I began to appreciate the importance of saving and spending money wisely and then I began to develop my financial goals.”

Robertson’s video essay provided insights on the lessons she’s learned while attending college. She states that prior to attending college, “I researched budgeting tools to help me plan financially. Although I researched budgeting tips, I did not realize how many unexpected expenses would pop up while at college.” Learning to save, especially for surprise expenses, is a lesson that will carry Robertson beyond college.

MyWay Scholarship applications and essays/videos were reviewed by an independent panel of judges from area institutions of higher learning including Chipola College, Florida A & M University, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College and Thomas University. Winners were selected based on criteria including grades, community service, school activities, and work experience. In addition, each applicant submitted an essay or short video elaborating on their experiences with and approach to money including lessons learned.

First Commerce awards two $1,000 scholarships annually to members of the MyWay Checking program who demonstrate excellence in school and beyond. The scholarships can be used toward school expenses including tuition, fees, and books. All members of First Commerce’s MyWay Checking program are eligible for the scholarship opportunity.

MyWay is First Commerce’s National Award-Winning program for 18-29 year olds, and includes a free checking account with free digital tools to help members stay on top of their finances, a nationally recognized EvenUp automatic savings account that rounds up debit card purchases to the next dollar amount and deposits the difference, as well as a focus on financial education including an annual credit report review with a First Commerce Financial Services Officer.

First Commerce is proud to continue empowering area students to pursue bright financial futures. Applications for the next MyWay Scholarship cycle will be accepted starting in February 2022. For more information, please visit FirstCommerceCU.org/MyWayScholarship.

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ABOUT FIRST COMMERCE: First Commerce Credit Union is a full-service financial institution headquartered in Tallahassee, Fla., with more than $950 million in assets and serving more than 63,000 consumer and business members in North Florida and South Georgia. First Commerce has

15 financial centers – seven in Tallahassee, one in Marianna, Fla., one in Adel, Nashville, Ray City, and Thomasville, Ga., and three in Valdosta, Ga. First Commerce offers a full array of consumer and business products and services, as well as access to thousands of ATMs across the country through its nationwide network, and mobile banking, mobile deposit, and real-time text/email account alerts. Credit union services include free and interest-earning checking accounts for all ages; savings accounts; money market accounts; CDs; IRAs; auto loans, mortgages; refinancing; home equity loans; identity theft protection; credit cards; and business loans and accounts. In addition, First Commerce offers a wide range of financial planning and investment services through our subsidiary Six Pillars Financial Advisors, and commercial & personal insurance through First Commerce Insurance Agency. For details on products, services and membership, visit FirstCommerceCU.org or call 850.488.0035 or 1.800.533.5772. Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.