The SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union is proud to announce scholarships were awarded to 10 deserving high school students at their 50th annual Membership Meeting.

In 1974, Frances C. Granata was the first President of the SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union. In her honor, the 26th annual Frances C. Granata Scholarship was awarded to Riley Smith-Mallon. He is also the recipient of a New York Credit Union Association’s statewide scholarship. He is one of 50 winners the Association recognized for their hard work.

Riley Smith-Mallon — son of Craig Mallon and Cynthia Smith, is a senior at Dunkirk High school. He will enter the accelerated dual Bachelor’s/Master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) this fall. Riley has been recognized by the College Board (National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Program for Outstanding Academic Achievement Award); inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars; as well as the French National Honor Society and High School National Honor Society. Riley is the Class Treasurer, an Envirothon Team member, a Student Council Member, and a member of the Varsity Club. Riley is also a candidate for the NYS Seal of Biliteracy as well as the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness. Riley is a Red Cross Certified Lifeguard. He is a scholar athlete who competed on the Varsity Swim Team (3 years), Varsity Outdoor Track and Field Team (4 years), Varsity Indoor Track & Field Team (1 year), Unified Bocce Team (1 year) and Unified Basketball Team (1 year). Outside of school, Riley is an Eagle Scout (Fredonia Troop 267) and a Boys’ State 2024 alumnus.

Madeline Saunders — a senior at Fredonia High School, is the recipient of the 26th 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. Madeline Saunders is the daughter of Maureen and Scott Saunders. Some of Madeline’s high school accomplishments include being named team captain of the Varsity Volleyball team for three years, Student Council class secretary for four years, Tri-M Honors Society secretary, and a member of the National Honor Society. She will attend Nazareth University in the fall to major in Sports Management and be on the volleyball team.

Charles Domenico — is the recipient of the 24th annual Patricia M. Rushboldt scholarship. The scholarship is given in memory of Rushboldt, a dedicated employee of the SUNY Fredonia Federal Credit Union for 28 years. Domenico, son of Jill and Jason Domenico is a senior at Fredonia High School. He has been a part of various sports such as soccer, football and bowling. Aside from participating in many unified sports, he has also been class president for four years. He plans to major in Inclusive Education at SUNY Fredonia in hopes of becoming a special education teacher.

Benjamin Seigel — is the recipient of the James Schwerk Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Schwerk, who served the Credit Union as Board President for 5 years, Vice President for 15 years and a Board Director for 2 years. He is the son of Nicole J. McPherson and Andrew Seigel, and a senior graduating from Fredonia High School. As a member of the National Honor Society, Benjamin has been a community servant, organizing toy drives for the Oishei Children’s Hospital, a local blood drive, and performing chamber music in the community. A cellist from age three, he has been active in Fredonia High School’s orchestra. He will be attending the University at Buffalo to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, while studying within the University Honors College.

Hannah Kwilos — a senior at Forestville Central High school, is the recipient of the Diane Earle Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of 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. Hannah is the daughter of Allison and Jacbo Kwilos. Hannah has achieved various accomplishments such as becoming National Honor Society chapter president, Spanish Honor Society member, and being selected for the Hornet Award at Forestville High School. After high school Hannah plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill for agriculture business management. After graduating college her goal is to work within the agriculture industry.

Cameron Ingram — is the recipient of the Frederick Ullman Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Ullman, who served six years as President of the Credit Union. Cameron is a senior graduating from Silver Creek High School. His parents are Kristy Jones and Olden Ingram. Cameron will be attending SUNY Niagara for business administration.

Branston Lindquist — 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. Branston, son of Jennifer and Benjamin Lindquist, is a graduating senior of St. Mary’s high school. Branston is attending Toledo University in the fall to play baseball and major in Business Finance.

Jared Sek —

is the recipient of the Nancy Narraway Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of 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. Jared is a Dunkirk High School student, attending WNY PTECH. He is the son of Michael and Julie Sek. He is advancing in his PTECH program and attending Jamestown Community College to pursue degrees in Welding Technology and Mechatronics.

Danielle Palisin — is the recipient of the Joann Jones Scholarship, established in honor of Jones, who was hired in 1994 to lead the newly opened TLC Branch of the Credit Union, which held its grand opening on June 1, 1994. She served as Branch Manager until her retirement in 2013. Danielle, daughter of Lori and Matthew Palisin, will graduate from Fredonia High School with honors. Danielle plans on continuing her academic and athletic careers at Buffalo State College where she will major in Education.

Madison White — is the recipient of the Terry Tzitzis Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Tzitzis, the current President of the Credit Union and the Credit Union’s longest-serving Board President, since 2004. Madison is the daughter of Monica and David White, and a graduating Senior from Nichols School. Varsity Tennis, American Sign Language Club (President and Founder) and Journalism Club are a few of Madison’s many extracurricular activities. In her free time, she sings, and plays the ukulele. Madison has maintained the highest honor roll throughout high school and received the AP Capstone Diploma as well as the AP Scholar Awards. This fall she will be attending Howard University majoring in Finance and International Business.