PITTSFIELD – Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union announced the recipients of its annual scholarships for 2026, promoting scholastic excellence and the continued education of its members and employees. The seven scholarships awarded totaled $17,000. Following a competitive selection process, the winners were announced on the graduation days of Maine Central Institute and Nokomis Regional High School.
The credit union offers a variety of scholarships to support credit union members and their families in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants are graduating high school students enrolling full-time in an accredited college, university or vocational-technical school. As part of the application, students submitted a 200- to 300-word essay on community service.
The Sebasticook Valley FCU Scholarship, a $2,500 yearly award, was granted to Daphne Hands of MCI, who will attend the University of Maine to study kinesiology; Riley Williams of MCI, who will attend the Aveda Institute; and Bailey Beaulieu of Nokomis, who will attend Salem State University.
The Sebasticook Valley FCU George Lougee Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Maddison Peirce of Nokomis, who will attend Nicholls State University to study nursing. The Douglas H. Nyman Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Seth Bowdenl, who will attend Kennebec Valley Community College to pursue plumbing and heating.
In memory of Christian A. Stein, a longtime educator in Maine School Administrative District 53, Matt and Dan Stein and Sebasticook Valley FCU sponsor the Christian Stein Memorial Scholarship. This year’s recipient of the $3,500 scholarship, which encourages students pursuing a career in education, is Vivian Walker of MCI, who will attend Kennebec Valley Community College to study early childhood education.
The credit union also extends its support to its employees through dedicated scholarships. The Student Tellers Scholarship, awarding $1,000 annually, was granted to Claire Hands of MCI. Hands will attend the University of Maine to study finance and communications. This scholarship is for student tellers who complete their first semester and prove enrollment for the second semester.
“These scholarships are a reflection of our continued investment in the future of our members and employees,” Jim Lemieux, president of Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union, said. “We’re proud to support their educational journeys and to strengthen our community through opportunity and access.”
The scholarship recipients were selected by a committee of credit union staff members based on academic achievement, strong work ethic, including part-time work or volunteerism, and involvement in school and community activities.
Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union, located in Newport and Pittsfield, currently serves more than 11,000 members across Franklin, Kennebec, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo counties in the heart of Maine. With community as the focus, the credit union’s flexible lending structure allows members to achieve their financial goals, taking advantage of low interest rates and an unparalleled ease of borrowing. From mortgages to home equity loans and overdraft protection, Sebasticook Valley FCU offers a wide range of financial options to Mainers in need of a financial partner. In 2023, the credit union celebrated its 70th anniversary. Visit www.svfcume.com.