First Commerce Credit Union recently awarded two $1,000 scholarships to local students and MyWay checking account members Bryce Cummings and Kendall Williams. Cummings, a graduating senior at Lincoln High School, will attend Tuskegee University in Alabama in the Fall and plans to study Engineering. Williams is currently attending Florida A & M University and is pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism.

This year marks the seventh year First Commerce’s national award-winning MyWay Checking program has awarded scholarships to local students. MyWay members who demonstrate excellence in school and beyond are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which can be used toward higher education expenses. In addition to annual scholarship opportunities, the MyWay program, created exclusively for 18- to 29-year-olds, includes a free checking account with digital banking 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. More information about MyWay is available at Checking.FirstCommerceCU.org/MyWay.

“First Commerce is committed to empowering people to enhance their financial well-being, and our MyWay Scholarship program is just one way we invest in helping young adults pursue their financial and academic goals,” said Cecilia Homison, First Commerce CEO. “Bryce and Kendall are remarkable students who demonstrate great achievement, both academically and in service to our community. We are incredibly proud to support them as they pursue bright financial futures.”

Cummings plays varsity basketball at Lincoln and volunteers at Neighborhood Medical Center, which provides primary care and dental services to those in need. He participates in community food drives and outreach events, as well as providing clerical assistance. He was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2019 and in 2021. In his MyWay Scholarship application, Cummings wrote, “Money can be tricky, how we spend, save, manage and plan for our future with it. However, learning how to work the ins and outs of it without swaying your priorities can plant the seed of a successful life.”

Williams has a 4.0 unweighted GPA and is an active member in FAMU’s Big Sister Little Sister program. She volunteers during summers and breaks as a camp counselor for City of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation. In her scholarship application Williams shared, “Having a job has taught me the importance of being disciplined to budget and save. Although I had to learn the hard way about saving money; I understand the importance and value of it now.” In addition to creating an emergency fund, Williams has started investing in the stock market.

MyWay Scholarship applications and essays were judged by an independent panel of educators from distinguished institutions of higher learning, including Florida A & M University, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, Thomas University and Valdosta State University. Winners were selected based on criteria including grades, community service, leadership, school activities, and work experience. Each applicant was also required to submit an essay or short video elaborating on their experiences with and approach to money, as well as lessons learned.