For more than two decades, local financial institution Greater Nevada Credit Union has awarded scholarships to local high school students taking the next step in their careers.
Chairman of the Board Bill Arensdorf got the scholarship program going 24 years ago and this year, the board is celebrating a milestone.
"Greater Nevada has been around 75 years now," he said. "And in honor of those 75 years, this year we gave $75,000 in scholarships, so it's been great. It's something we're really committed to."
Over the years, more than 450 local graduates have pursued their goals with the help of one of these scholarships - more than $700,000 total. And choosing the winners every year is still a tough job.
"This year particularly, we had over 240 applicants," Arensdorf said. "A great number, a great turnout, and it's very difficult to make these selections; I wish we could do more. It's a very diverse group of youngsters who apply and they're all deserving."
One of this years recipients is Fernley high school graduate Trinity Garcia, who will be starting a nursing program in Colorado in a few months.
"It's a versatile field, great job security too, so that's nice," she said. "It's something that is just kind of out of the mundane day-to-day."
It's a career in caring that aligns with her current job.
"Especially because I work as a PT aide right now, just seeing people come in, not feeling good, kind of hurting; it's nice to see people feel better."
And as long as these local students continue to succeed, Greater Nevada will continue to help them along the way.
"It's the motivation of the kids who really excite us because they're going to come to our Nevada communities and contribute," Arensdorf said. "And that's what we're looking for, that's our ultimate goal, is to strengthen the communities that we serve."
Scholarships are available to all members and their children, the next window to apply will open up early next year.
https://www.gncu.org/helping-our-communities/gncu-scholarships/
