KCCU scholarship

KCCU is committed to improving the financial lives of our members. We recognize the value of education and support the educational goals of our members through our scholarship program.

This year KCCU awarded thirteen (13) $1,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate good character, citizenship, and leadership.

Congratulations 2026 KCCU Scholarship Recipients

Addyson Holder

Addyson Holder is graduate of Hackett Catholic Prep who will attend Saint Mary’s College this fall to pursue a future in medicine. A dedicated student with a passion for leadership and service, she has been involved in varsity tennis, student leadership groups, and National Honor Society throughout high school. Addyson has also devoted significant time to volunteering through her church, school service projects, and Girl Scouts. She hopes to continue serving others through healthcare while encouraging and mentoring future generations along the way.

Alora Wright

Alora Wright is a graduate from Gull Lake High School who plans to attend Central Michigan University this fall as an honors student majoring in psychology. Throughout high school, she has been actively involved in Scouting America, 4-H, NHS, and the Gull Lake Performing Arts Company. Driven by a passion for understanding and helping others, Alora plans to use her studies in psychology to make a positive impact while continuing to give back through leadership and community involvement. She also plans to stay involved in theatre and leadership opportunities throughout college.

Chloe Najar

Chloe Najar is a graduate from Portage Central High School who plans to attend Michigan State University this fall. She has been actively involved in varsity softball, Student Senate, multicultural organizations, and community volunteer work throughout high school. Chloe has dedicated years to volunteering at the Animal Rescue Project, where her compassion for animals inspired her interest in animal science. She hopes to build a future focused on improving the lives of animals while continuing to make a positive impact through service and leadership.

Cooper Gardner

Cooper Gardner is a graduate from Harper Creek High School who plans to attend Michigan State University this fall. During high school, he has been involved in cross country, track, National Honor Society, and Student LEADership while also volunteering at youth camps and school events. Through athletics and leadership opportunities, Cooper has developed a strong commitment to teamwork, integrity, and supporting those around him. He hopes to continue building these qualities in college while using his education and experiences to make a positive impact on others.

Elizabeth King

Elizabeth King is a graduate of Gull Lake High School who plans to attend Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business this fall to study finance. A highly involved student leader, she has served in leadership roles across DECA, Student Senate, and multiple honor societies while organizing events and fundraising initiatives for her school and community. Elizabeth is passionate about mentorship and service, dedicating her time to tutoring students and supporting youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She hopes to continue expanding her impact in college through leadership opportunities, volunteer work, and community involvement.

Jennifer O'Connor

Jennifer O’Connor is a graduate from Calhoun Christian School who plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to study Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Through volleyball, leadership programs, and community service, she has grown into a confident leader dedicated to encouraging and supporting others. Jennifer is passionate about environmental education and hopes to combine her interests in agriculture, sustainability, and teaching to make a meaningful difference in her future career. Inspired by her family’s strong work ethic and perseverance, she is committed to continuing to grow through leadership, service, and education.

Jonah Kue

Jonah Kue is a graduate from Marshall High School who plans to attend Kellogg Community College to pursue a degree in nursing. Throughout high school, he has been actively involved in athletics, student leadership, and community service, including serving as a varsity soccer captain and Student Council activities chair. Jonah is passionate about helping others and has gained valuable experience through volunteer projects and promoting financial literacy within his community. He hopes to continue making a positive impact by building a future centered around compassion, leadership, and caring for others through healthcare.

Madelyn Hensel

Madelyn Hensel is a graduate from Pennfield High School who plans to attend Western Michigan University to pursue a degree in nursing. A dedicated student-athlete and musician, she has been involved in multiple varsity sports, marching band, student government, and National Honor Society throughout high school. Madelyn’s passion for healthcare grew through volunteer experiences, including a medical mission trip to Guatemala and an internship at DayOne Family Health. She hopes to combine compassion, leadership, and service to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through a future career in nursing.

Nae'Ary Wilson

Nae’Ary Wilson is a graduate from Battle Creek Central High School who plans to attend Michigan State University this fall. She has been actively involved in athletics, National Honor Society, Link Crew, and TRIO Upward Bound while taking on leadership roles that support and encourage her peers. Through tutoring, volunteer service, and community outreach activities, Nae’Ary has developed a strong passion for helping others succeed. She plans to pursue a career in dentistry where she can continue making a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

Raelee Vaughn

Raelee Vaughn is a graduate from Athens Jr./Sr. High School and the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center who plans to attend Michigan Technological University to study biomedical engineering. Inspired by her family’s experiences with healthcare, she hopes to develop medical technology that improves and saves lives. Raelee has balanced challenging academics with leadership roles in athletics, student organizations, and more than 180 hours of community service focused on mentoring and helping others. She is passionate about combining innovation, leadership, and compassion to create a positive impact through her future career.

Rian Wolf

Rian Wolf is a graduate from Harper Creek High School who plans to attend Kettering University to pursue engineering. Through robotics, marching band, and athletics, she has developed strong teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills throughout high school. Rian has spent the past four years mentoring middle school robotics students, helping them build confidence and discover their creativity through STEAM education. Passionate about engineering and mentorship, she hopes to continue encouraging future generations, especially young women, to pursue opportunities in robotics and STEM fields.

Ryan Pejakovich

Ryan Pejakovich is a graduate from Climax-Scotts High School who plans to attend Davenport University this fall. An active student-athlete, he has participated in varsity football, golf, powerlifting, track and field, and National Honor Society throughout high school. Ryan has also dedicated time to serving others through volunteer work with local blood drives, youth sports, veteran charity events, and the South Michigan Food Bank. He looks forward to continuing to grow as a leader while balancing academics, athletics, and community involvement in college.

Violet Mercadal

Violet Mercadal is a graduate from Loy Norrix High School and the Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center who plans to attend Michigan State University this fall. Passionate about veterinary medicine, she has gained hands-on experience through veterinary science programs, animal care initiatives, and independent research projects. Violet has also been deeply involved in music, athletics, and community service, contributing hundreds of volunteer hours through church, school, and animal welfare programs. She hopes to combine science, compassion, and leadership to provide innovative and accessible veterinary care in her community.

The KCCU Scholarship Program was established to assist KCCU members who are graduating high school and plan to attend an accredited college or university or are working towards a certification or degree program in the trades. 2026 marks the thirty-eighth year of KCCU’s scholarship program, and since its inception they have awarded roughly $218,000 to local students. KCCU’s Board of Directors, Management, and Staff congratulate the 2026 scholarship winners, and thank the many other exceptional students who applied.

Check back in January for details on the 2027 scholarship application launch! If you have any questions about the KCCU Scholarship Program, please contact KCCU's Marketing department at bmartens@kccu4u.org or call 269.968.9251