Scholarship Program

The recipients of the ten $2000 Penn State Federal Credit Union Scholarships are:

Marroquinn “Quinn” Baxter is a Senior at the State College Area High School Delta program where she has honed her interest in art, especially painting. During her High School career, Quinn has been an active volunteer. She has spent over 200 hours volunteering this year with organizations such as State College Alliance Church, Centre County Habitat for Humanity, and her school community. She has particularly enjoyed helping with Alliance Church’s English as a Second Language program where Quinn was instrumental in the babysitting program which offered free babysitting, crafts, games, and lessons to the children of the ESL class participants. Quinn has worked with older adults as a Dining Associate at Foxdale Village Retirement Community for the past two years. Quinn is thankful for her wonderful teachers at the Delta program and State High who have helped her achieve her goals. Many thanks to Penn State Federal Credit Union for this scholarship to help Quinn go after her dream of being a professional studio artist. Quinn plans to attend Bloomsburg University in the Fall pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Danika Black is a rising junior at Chatham University, in Pittsburgh, where she majors in Interior Architecture with a minor in History. This past fall, Danika was selected to serve on the Chatham University Academic Integrity Board, where she is currently a student member of the Honor Code Committee. Additionally, she has made the dean’s list every semester, works at the Office of Student Affairs, and participates in the Chatham Choir when possible. Her future plans are to complete an internship at an interior design firm, obtain her Bachelors in Interior Architecture, become a licensed Interior Designer, and have a long, happy, and celebrated career. Danika is thankful to PSFCU for their assistance in helping her achieve her goals.

My name is Addison Crawford, and I am a high school senior at Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA) in Monroe, NC. I am an honors student in the medical academy and a member of the National Honor Society. I am the CATA female representative for the Union County Public Schools Athletic Leadership council and participate in the FOR Students Charlotte mentorship program. I am a pitcher for the varsity softball team and have received All-Conference recognition all four years of high school. I have broken multiple school records including most career strikeouts (525), most wins, most hits (100), and most home runs. For my accomplishments on the field, I was awarded Athlete of the Month in March 2024. I enjoy giving back to my community through volunteer work with special needs students. I volunteer with Hands Helping Others where I plan special events and activities for students at a local special needs high school. I am also a “buddy” for Special Olympics and Field Day events, and volunteer with ACEing Autism helping autistic children learn the game of tennis. I am also a huge animal advocate and love to spend time rehabilitating homeless cats and dogs in my community. My family fosters for multiple animal rescue groups that save the lives of animals at risk of euthanasia in local shelters. I will be attending Rollins College in Winter Park, FL starting this fall majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. My future career plan is to become a Cosmetic Biochemist working to eliminate toxic chemicals from everyday products and create safer alternatives.

Anna Raquel Duiker is a rising senior at Penn State University, where she is double majoring in Human Development & Family Studies and Spanish. She is actively involved with the Navigators, a Christian campus ministry, where she leads a Bible study and mentors first-year students. Outside of campus, Anna Raquel serves in her local church by mentoring 7th grade girls, leading worship, and supporting the children’s ministry. After graduation, she plans to work with the Christian and Missionary Alliance as she prepares for long-term missionary work overseas. In her free time, Anna Raquel enjoys playing volleyball, trying new foods, and traveling. She is excited to make the most of her final year at Penn State and is incredibly grateful for this scholarship, which
is helping make that possible.

Keith Eicholtz is a 2024 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and is currently attending Penn State University, majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Physics. With a strong passion for space and flight, Keith aspires to work at organizations such as NASA or SpaceX, most likely focusing on propulsion systems and spacecraft design. Outside the classroom, he enjoys the challenge and focus that rock climbing provides and currently works part-time at Sheetz, gaining valuable time management and teamwork experience. Keith is sincerely grateful to be a recipient of the Penn State Federal Credit Union Scholarship. The support from this scholarship will allow him to spend more time engaging in student clubs and exploring undergraduate research opportunities that will help him grow both academically and professionally on his path toward a career in the aerospace industry.
 

Colin Hillard is a 2023 graduate of State College Area High School and is currently enrolled at The Pennsylvania College of Technology studying a dual degree for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning technologies, along with Building Automation Engineering Technologies. Entering his third year at Penn College, he has completed his first degree for HVAC and is preparing to start his second degree in the fall. This Summer Colin is working for Penn State at the Office of the Physical Plant, tasked with HVAC maintenance and service. He aspires to complete his next degree in 2027 and be able to work his way through the workforce. Colin is grateful to have this scholarship help pay for his college education, and in the end his future.

My name is Mason Sampsel. I am currently a senior at State College Area High School, class of 2025. I am going to be attending Penn State University after I graduate, where I plan to major in kinesiology. I was born in State College PA and lived here my whole life. I love to spend time with my friends and family, working out, fishing, and playing sports. I played soccer for most of my life, and I was also the captain of the varsity boys soccer team my senior year. I am also the oldest child in my family ahead of three younger sisters. During my time as a captain and being a big brother, I was able to learn what it means to be a leader and a role model for others.

Kelly Steel is a rising junior at Penn State University majoring in Geography with a minor in Climatology. She is looking forward to leadership roles in the upcoming school year, serving as the treasurer of the Geography Club, event planner for the GIS Coalition, and secretary of the Penn State Book Club. Kelly attended State College Area High School, where she was a member of the girls’ tennis team and was actively involved in several service clubs, including Key Club and Interact Club. These experiences have helped her develop strong leadership and interdisciplinary skills.
Passionate about helping others, Kelly hopes to continue using her time at Penn State to pursue volunteer work. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the outdoors. Kelly is thankful for this scholarship, as it will aid in her academic journey.

Ben Tuthill is a 2025 graduating senior at State College Area High School. Ben’s primary passion in life has been music. He has played saxophone in the SCAHS Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band, in which he was a rank leader. Ben also plays guitar in State High’s Rock Ensemble, is a part of other garage bands, and is a member of the TRI-M Music Honor Society. Outside of music, Ben has been heavily involved in scouting in Boalsburg Troop 380 where he got his Eagle Scout award in April 2024 and has participated in many other community service projects. For his Eagle Project, he completed a tree identification course and planted trees at the Boal Mansion. He is a member of the State High Rugby Club. Additionally, he worked as a ski instructor at Tussey Mountain and currently works at Snap Pizza in downtown State College. Ben will be attending Penn State University this fall where he will be majoring in Music Education. He hopes to grow in his love and passion for music and hopes to spread that love and passion to others as a future music teacher.

Sadie Watson is a compassionate and determined 20-year-old currently attending Penn State University for her Associate’s Degree and is scheduled to graduate in August 2025. In the fall, she will transfer to Pennsylvania Western University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in social work, a field that reflects her deep commitment to helping others and advocating for mental health and social justice. Sadie is currently gaining hands-on experience as a Direct Support Professional at Strawberry Fields, Inc. in State College, Pennsylvania. In this role, she supports individuals with mental health challenges, providing daily assistance and emotional encouragement. Her work has reinforced her passion for creating safe, supportive environments for people navigating complex life circumstances. Sadie is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She looks forward to building a career where she can continue to support individuals and communities with compassion and strength. Sadie is deeply grateful for this gift from the Credit Union members and staff.