First Commerce Credit Union announced the two latest winners of their MyWay Scholarship competition: Millie Marshall and Nicolas Timmons. A graduate of Leon High School, Marshall is currently pursuing her PhD in Philosophy at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Timmons is a Florida High graduate and has plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall to study Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering.

Each year, First Commerce awards two $1,000 scholarships to members of their MyWay Checking program who demonstrate excellence in school and beyond. The scholarships can be used toward school expenses including tuition, fees, and books.

A proponent of budgeting, Marshall said she uses the online banking tools available through her MyWay checking account to stay up-to-date on her finances. Timmons said he plans to keep his scholarship and grant money separate from the wages he earns through a part-time job – ensuring he utilizes the funds appropriately.

This year, First Commerce received a record-number 37 scholarship applications. Among other qualifications, applicants were asked to submit a short essay or video explaining what they’ve learned about money (the good and the bad) and how it affects their approach to finances. Each application is reviewed by a panel of independent judges from local higher-learning institutions including Chipola College, Florida A & M University, Florida State University, and Valdosta State University.

MyWay Checking is First Commerce’s national award-winning program for 18-29 year olds, which includes a free checking account, free tools to help members stay on top of their finances, a nationally recognized 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.