“We love that New Hampshire boasts many ‘first in the nation’ attributes, but knowing that the Granite State is also first in the nation for student loan debt is a bitter pill to swallow,” remarks Ron Covey, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Bank.
 
To help St. Mary’s Bank members pursue their academic dreams while reducing their need for student loan debt, the nation’s first credit union awarded $7,500 in scholarships at a reception June 30.
 
For the scholarship program’s first year, St. Mary’s Bank received 154 applications. The selection committee chose applicants who displayed hard work and determination both inside and outside of the classroom. 

• Jacob Bleau of Essex, Vermont, attends Northeastern University and is a premed student majoring in behavioral neuroscience and minoring in Spanish and music. 
• Sean Reagan of Hooksett, New Hampshire, will attend NHTI, Concord’s Community College and study computer information technology. 
• Consolata Omingo of Manchester, New Hampshire, and originally from Kenya, attends Rivier University and studies psychiatric nursing. 
• Jordan Levesque of Manchester, New Hampshire, attends Saint Anselm College and studies psychology. 
• Brittany Langlais of Derry, New Hampshire, will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and study biomedical technology. 
• Allison Hebert of Manchester, New Hampshire, attends University of Vermont and is majoring in medical radiation sciences and minoring in nutrition and food science. 
• Samantha Bogdahn of Londonderry, New Hampshire, attends University of New Hampshire and is a prevet student majoring in neuroscience and behavior. 
• Sarah McLaughlin of Derry, New Hampshire, will attend University of Southern Maine and study exercise science. 
• Carl JeanBaptiste of Manchester, New Hampshire, will attend NHTI, Concord’s Community College and focus on general education studies before studying physical therapy at a four-year school. 
• Allison Doherty of Manchester, New Hampshire, attends NHTI, Concord’s Community College and studies nursing.

From left: Scholarship recipients Sean Reagan, Allison Hebert, Consolata Omingo, Sarah McLaughlin, and Brittany Langlais pose with Ron Covey, St. Mary’s Bank President and CEO. Unable to attend: Jacob Bleau, Jordan Levesque, Samantha Bogdahn, Carl JeanBaptiste, and Allison Doherty

“We are committed to helping St. Mary’s Bank’s next generation achieve their educational and professional goals. We received applications from many deserving students” notes Covey. “I congratulate the 10 students who were selected to receive scholarships. Their futures are indeed bright, and I wish them all the best in their academic journeys.”