At Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU), we believe in the power of education and the potential of our youth to shape the future. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025 College Scholarship Program—four exceptional high school graduates who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to their communities.
This year, each student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to help offset the cost of attending a two- or four-year college or university starting this fall.
Meet the 2025 HRCCU College Scholarship Recipients:
- Ava Rowland – Glens Falls High School
- Isabella Feliciano – Glens Falls High School
- Layna Jade Sheppard – South Glens Falls High School
Honoring a Legacy: A New Scholarship Launches
We were also proud to introduce a special new scholarship in 2025: the Donald Briner Making Life Better Memorial Scholarship. Named in honor of HRCCU’s longtime Board President, this award recognizes a graduating senior from Corinth Central School District who has shown a strong dedication to community service.
The inaugural $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Hunter Shanahan, a student whose contributions truly reflect the spirit of the award and Mr. Briner’s legacy of service.
Investing in the Future
“Supporting education and empowering young people is central to HRCCU’s mission,” said Sue Commanda, CEO of HRCCU. “We’re incredibly proud to recognize these students for their academic achievements, leadership, and dedication to giving back. We look forward to seeing the impact they’ll continue to make in their communities.”
To be considered for the scholarships, students submitted academic references, documented their involvement in school and community activities, and wrote a personal essay about how they plan to give back after college. Recipients were selected using a comprehensive 100-point scoring system.
Supporting Youth Education Year-Round
These scholarships are just one part of HRCCU’s ongoing commitment to youth education. We proudly support school banking programs in several local elementary schools and fund financial literacy initiatives in the Hudson Falls and Watervliet school districts—empowering students with the tools they need to build smart money habits for life.
To learn more about HRCCU’s scholarship programs and other community initiatives, visit hrccu.org.
