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Sebasticook Valley FCU announced the recipients of its 2026 annual scholarships, recognizing scholastic excellence and supporting the continued education of its members and employees. This year, the credit union awarded seven scholarships totaling $17,000. Following a competitive selection process, recipients were announced during the graduation ceremonies at Maine Central Institute (MCI) and Nokomis Regional High School.
The credit union offers a variety of scholarships to support members and their families as they pursue higher education. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors enrolling full-time at an accredited college, university, or vocational-technical school. As part of the application process, students submitted a 200- to 300-word essay on the importance of community service.
The Sebasticook Valley FCU Scholarship, a $2,500 yearly award, was granted to Daphne Hands of MCI, who will attend the University of Maine to study kinesiology; Riley Williams of Maine Central Institute, who will attend the Aveda Institute; and Bailey Beaulieu of Nokomis Regional High School, who will attend Salem State University.
The Sebasticook Valley FCU George Lougee Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Maddison Peirce of Nokomis Regional High School. She will attend Nicholls State University to study nursing. The Douglas H. Nyman Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Seth Bowden of Nokomis Regional High School, who will attend Kennebec Valley Community College to pursue plumbing and heating.
In memory of Christian A. Stein, a longtime educator in Maine School Administrative District 53, Matt and Dan Stein, in partnership with Sebasticook Valley FCU, sponsor the Christian Stein Memorial Scholarship. This year’s $3,500 scholarship, which encourages students pursuing careers in education, was awarded to Vivian Walker of Maine Central Institute. Walker plans to attend Kennebec Valley Community College, where she will study early childhood education.
The credit union also extends its support to its employees through dedicated scholarships. The Student Tellers Scholarship, awarding $1,000 annually, was granted to Claire Hands of MCI. Hands will attend the University of Maine to study finance and communications. This scholarship is for student tellers who complete their first semester and prove enrollment for the second semester.
“These scholarships are a reflection of our continued investment in the future of our members and employees,” said Jim Lemieux, President of Sebasticook Valley FCU. “We’re proud to support their educational journeys and to strengthen our community through opportunity and access.”
The scholarship recipients were selected by a committee of credit union staff members based on academic achievement, strong work ethic (including part-time work or volunteerism), and involvement in school and community activities.