Sydney Dobmeier received the 27th annual Frances C. Granata Scholarship. In 1974, Ms. Granata was the first President of the SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union. Sydney is also the recipient of a New York Credit Union Association’s statewide scholarship. She is one of 61 winners the Association recognized for their hard work.

Dobmeier, daughter of Kristin and Matthew Dobmeier, is a senior at Orchard Park High School. Sydney is very involved in her school and community volunteering at Sleep in Heavenly Peace Buffalo, the Vive Shelter’s Food Kitchen, and starting her own Ride for Roswell Bike Team. Within her school, she is proud of the community she built within History Club, Model United Nations, and Gender Equality Club, serving as the President of all these organizations. She is also proud of the team she was able to play with during her 4 years on Varsity Soccer. Outside of school, she was involved as the student representative on the Orchard Park School Board as well as the Northeast Vice President of the National Student Board Member Association. Sydney plans on attending Georgetown University in the fall to major in Public Policy.

Ryleigh Donato, a senior at Dunkirk High School, is the recipient of the 27th annual Paul T. Schonhart scholarship. This scholarship is given in honor of Mr. Schonhart and his term as the Credit Union’s Board President from 1983-1998. Ryleigh Donato is the daughter of Jason and Nicole Donato. Ryleigh is a scholar athlete who played volleyball and softball all four years of high school. Her dedication earned her the volleyball MVP award her senior year, alongside multiple student of the month honors. Ryleigh has served as a class officer for all four years and is a current member of the National Honor Society. Ryleigh plans to attend Jamestown Community College in the fall to study nursing. She plans on attending University of Buffalo after JCC to continue her education.

Adam Hartung is the recipient of the 25th annual Patricia M. Rushboldt scholarship. The scholarship is given in memory of Mrs. Rushboldt, a dedicated employee of the SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union for twenty-eight years. Adam Hartung, son of Ben and April Hartung, is a senior at Fredonia Central Schools. Adam is a member of the National Honor Society, reflecting his dedication to scholarship and service.

Adam was the MVP and Team Captain of the modified soccer team. His talents also extended to the stage, where he helped in several musical productions by helping build sets and design them. Adam has been a fixture in the local workforce and community. From serving as a Student IT Assistant for the school district to working on his grandfather’s local grape vineyard and serving patrons at The White Inn. He was also a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and is a current member of the Sons of the American Legion. In the fall, Adam plans to attend SUNY Fredonia to major in Business Administration.

Gracia Domenico is the recipient of the James Schwerk Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Mr. Schwerk, who served the Credit Union as Board President for 5 years, Vice President for 15 years and a Board Director for 2 years. Gracia is the daughter of Jill and Jason Domenico. During high school, Gracia was a member of National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. In the fall, Gracia plans to attend SUNY Fredonia to pursue a degree in English Adolescent Education.

Neshwan Arif, a senior at Fredonia Central Schools, is the recipient of the Diane Earle Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Ms. Earle, who serves as the current Vice President of the Credit Union since 2007 and was a member of the original committee involved with the Lake Shore Hospital’s employees joining the Credit Union. Neshwan is the son of Delaware and Lipika Arif. Neshwan got elected as the student representative of the Fredonia Board of Education. Neshwan is the editor of the Fredonia High School student newspaper and President of the National High School Honor Society. Last year, Neshwan got a chance to present his research comparing solar panel efficiency at various altitudes at a conference held at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Florida. After high school, Neshwan plans to attend Auburn University to major in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Business Administration.

Jackson Spangler is the recipient of the Frederick Ullman Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Mr. Ullman, who served six years as President of the Credit Union. Jackson is a senior graduating from Fredonia Central Schools. His parents are Susan and Rachel Spangler. Jackson is the 2024 CCAA County Tennis Champion for Boys’ Singles. He is an orchestra section leader for second violins, Tri-M music honors society as well as the National Honor Society. Jackson plans to attend Wheaton College in the fall to major in liberal arts.

Elizabeth Proper is the recipient of the Raymond Lindquist Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Mr. Lindquist, who served as the Manager of the Credit Union for 26 years, from 1992 until his retirement in 2018. Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Amber Proper, is a graduating senior at Fredonia Central Schools. She participates in both music and sports, playing the clarinet in Concert Band, and is a member of the Cross Country and Golf teams. Elizabeth has had involvement in various pursuits such as volleyball, Model UN, and World Cultures club. Last year, Elizabeth was chosen for the award of Most Improved Athlete in both Golf and Cross County. An active member of St. Anthony Roman Catholic church; volunteering her time at church socials and raffles. Elizabeth completed an internship at Brooks Memorial Hospital Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging. Elizabeth is enrolled at JCC for the fall semester to complete general coursework needed for enrollment in UPMC School of Radiology where she will pursue a degree in becoming a Radiologic Technologist.

Henry Warner is the recipient of the Nancy Narraway Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Mrs. Narraway who began her career with the Credit Union in 1996. She served as Assistant Manager from 1999-2018 and as Manager of the Credit Union until her retirement in 2020. Henry is a senior at Fredonia Central Schools. Henry has worked lights in Fredonia theater, ran track, been a leader in the Fredonia quest hiking program. At 17, he earned his pilot license and intends to be a commercial pilot. He is the son of Andrea and Chris Warner. In the fall, Henry will be attending Edinboro college studying aeronautics.

Cashis Montour is the recipient of the Joann Jones Scholarship, established in honor of Mrs. Jones, who was hired in 1994 to lead the newly opened TLC Branch of the Credit Union. She served as Branch Manager until her retirement in 2013. Cashis, son of the late Tara and Arthur Montour, is a senior at Erie 2 BOCES CAM P-TECH/Gowanda Central High School. During high school, Cashis has participated in plenty of sports. Including having the honor of being captain of varsity basketball, varsity lacrosse, and varsity cross country while maintaining strong academics and working toward graduating near the top of his class. Cashis was also inducted into the National Honor Society and has volunteered in his community through different events and activities. This fall, Cashis will be attending Alfred State majoring in electrical construction and maintenance.

Cooper Stenger is the recipient of the Terry Tzitzis Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Mr. Tzitzis, the current President of the Credit Union and the Credit Union’s longest-serving Board President, since 2004. Cooper is the son of Jim and Tracy Stenger, and a graduating Senior from Fredonia Central Schools. Cooper has been active in student leadership, emergency services, Scouting, music, and theater throughout high school, serving as Student Body President, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and volunteering as a New York State EMT and firefighter with the Fredonia Fire Department. This fall, Cooper will attend University at Albany to study Emergency Management & Homeland Security, with plans to pursue a career in federal law enforcement.

Brayden Keppel is the recipient of the Judy Langworthy scholarship.This scholarship is in honor of Mrs. Langworthy, who has provided 21 years of leadership and service on the Board of Directors, including 20 years as the current Secretary of the Credit Union. Brayden is the son of Kimberly and Dennis Keppel. Brayden is a senior at St. Francis High School. Brayden has played various Varsity sports including hockey, golf and bowling. He won the Individual all Catholic Bowling Championship and had the league high score of 287. In the fall, Brayden will attend ECC studying athletic training. He will then continue and finish his undergraduate and graduate at Gannon University.