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First New York 2022 Scholarship Winners

Every year, First New York FCU rewards four students planning to attend an accredited twoyear or four-year college with a $1,000 scholarship. We’re excited to announce our recipients of this year’s 2022 award all of whom have demonstrated excellent academic achievement and community involvement.

Graduating from Middleburgh Junior/Senior High School, Danielle Chichester earned their advanced regents and regents’ diploma as well as being a member of the National Honor Society, winner of a Spanish IV Award (2021), and Algebra 2 Most Improved Award (2021). Since July 2020, Danielle has actively volunteered as a Firefighter and EMT in-training. In their high school bowling career, they became a 2020-2021 W.A.C. All Star, and in 2020 and 2022, their team won the W.A.C. and Section 2 championships.

Graduating from Bethlehem Central High School, Kalin Oelkers has shown great academic achievement. They’ve successfully completed nine AP-level courses while working and volunteering in their spare time. Kalin has an impressive work experience as a caretaker (2016), swim instructor (2018 – 2019), and ShopRite personal shopper (2022 – present). They have certifications in AED and CPR. Since 2019, Kalin has also actively volunteered at Welcome Table, a homeless community center, Elm Ave Park: Arts and Crafts Center, and Mater Christi Church.

Graduating from Mohonasen High School, Vail Perry has earned an associate’s degree on a full scholarship from SUNY Schenectady County Community College. They’ve participated in extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, Olympic Visual Arts (OVA), Expedition Club, and Dance. Vail also has a remarkable community service background, co-founding Flannels for Fowler Foundation, a not-for-profit  (2018 – present). In addition to volunteering, they have work experience as a tutor for 7th and 8th grade students.

Graduating from Academy of the Holy Names (AHN), Kiley Lynn Scholz has achieved high academic merits, including being a member of the National Honor Society and AHN High Honor Roll since 2018. They’ve also earned extracurricular success, serving as the Secretary of AHN American Red Cross Club. Kiley has a notable work and volunteer background that includes being a Medical Records Team Member (2021), Intern at the National Toxicology Center (2021), and Volunteer at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern (2016 – present).

First New York FCU wishes the best for these 2022 graduates and their future academic endeavors. We know that they’ll continue to be successful throughout and beyond their college careers.