Gulf Winds Cares Foundation hands out scholarships

The Gulf Winds Cares Foundation provided $20,000 in scholarships to four graduating high school seniors — Jenna Banta, Malik Cooper, Will Rollin, and Paige Sindelar. Each was awarded $5,000 to further their education at a higher learning institution.

Gulf Winds received over 40 applications for the scholarship program, designed to support students entering their first year of higher education. Eligible applicants are members of Gulf Winds Credit Union or are the children or grandchildren of members. Applications are reviewed by a committee consisting of Credit Union employees that evaluate each applicant’s academic achievements, community involvement, personal essay, letters of recommendation and financial need.

“Our four scholarship recipients distinguished themselves academically and exemplify Gulf Winds’ commitment to family and community,” said Kurt Stenerson, President of the Gulf Winds Cares Foundation. “We are proud to support the next step in their academic and life journey.”

This year, for the first time, one of the four scholarships was reserved for a student entering trade school. Will Rollin is the inaugural winner of the trade school scholarship. He will be attending Bishop State Community College to prepare for a career as an electrical lineman. “I’m excited to be named the first recipient of the trade school scholarship,” said Will Rollin. “This money will help me start my career without school debt.”

Since 2007, Gulf Winds has provided $222,500 in scholarships to 61 first year continuing education students. The Gulf Winds scholarships are named to honor pioneer members of the Credit Union for their dedicated service to its members. In memory of these important leaders, scholarships are established in the names of Rufus Caton, Louis Lambert, Lola Stephens and Al Evans, Jr.

Meet the 2022 Scholarship Recipients:

Jenna Banta

Jenna lives in Cantonment, FL, and graduated from J.M. Tate High School where she held a 4.57/4.0 GPA. She is enrolled at the University of West Florida to study Medical Lab Sciences. Jenna was the Vice President of Student Council and a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Tate High soccer team, English Honor Society, and Showband of the South. She has volunteered with Miracle League, Special Olympics, and band camp.

Malik Cooper

Malik lives in Frisco City, al, and graduated from Monroe County High School where he held a 4.2/4.0 GPA. He is enrolled at the University of Alabama to study Nursing. Malik was President of National Honor Society, Beta Club and National Technical Honor Society. He also received recognition earning the Spanish Award, Honor Roll Award and Academic Excellence Award. He has volunteered with Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassadors and Monroe County 4H.

Will Rollin

Will lives in Flomaton, AL, and graduated from Flomaton High School where he held a 3.5/4.0 GPA. He is enrolled at Bishop State Community College to study to be an Electrical Lineman. Will was President of the Skills USA chapter and Vice President of the National Technical Honors Society. He was captain of the varsity football team, a Beta Club member and a 4-year Academic All Star.

Paige Sindelar

Paige lives in Brewton, AL, and graduated from W.S. Neal High School where she held a 4.1/4.0 GPA. She intends to enroll at Coastal Alabama Community College in General Studies. She is interested in pursuing a career in pediatric dentistry. Paige is the singer in the W.S. Neal String Band, which is competing in the state tournament on June 2. She was also a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA), National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, FCA and is an active volunteer with her church.