Suffolk Credit Union continues to strengthen its commitment to education, opportunity, and community empowerment—providing more than $20,000 in scholarship support to local students this year. This includes $17,000 in scholarships for Suffolk County Community College students, along with several new initiatives that broaden the credit union’s impact across Long Island.
As part of this commitment, eight Suffolk County Community College students were recognized this fall for their academic excellence, extracurricular engagement, community service, and compelling personal essays.
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Margaret Bacon of Islip received the Michael E. Reilly Memorial Scholarship for $3,000.
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Suffolk Credit Union Achievement Scholarships and partial $2,000 awards were presented to Jasmine Robinson (Bay Shore), Ana Lainez-Pixtun (Wyandanch), Graceann Almonte (Deer Park), Dylan O'Reilly (Sayville), Nadly Agenor (Lindenhurst), Yasmeen Shehata (Dix Hills) and Cosette Yildiz (Kings Park).
“Our partnership with the Suffolk Community College Foundation continues to open doors for students pursuing higher education,” said Laura Racioppi, Vice President of Corporate and Community Partnerships. “By investing in these scholarships, we’re helping motivated students and their families build lasting financial well-being and brighter futures.”
Leaders at Suffolk County Community College shared their appreciation as well. “These scholarships make a meaningful difference in our students’ lives and reflect the credit union’s genuine investment in our shared community,” said Mary Lou Araneo, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Suffolk Community College Foundation.
New Scholarship Initiatives for 2025
In addition to its longstanding support for SUNY Suffolk students, Suffolk Credit Union broadened its educational outreach this year through three new scholarship partnerships. These programs reflect the credit union’s pride in supporting learners at every stage and its belief in strengthening Long Island communities through opportunity and access.
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First-Generation American Heritage Scholarship (SEPA Mujer Partnership)
A one-time $2,000 award supporting a first-generation American student pursuing higher education. This year’s recipient is Ashley Paz-Estrada, a graduate of Central Islip High School.
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Sheriff’s Student Ambassador Program Scholarships
In collaboration with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, four $500 scholarships were awarded to graduates who demonstrated leadership, advocacy, and community engagement: Cristal Hernandez, Keilyn Mieses Marcano, Jimena Gonzalez, and Matthew Terletsky.
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Catholic Health Healthcare Career Scholarships
Four $500 awards were presented to Audrey Watkins, RN; Amy Muncaster, RN; Sandrina Rodriguez, RN; and Barthelemy Guirand, RN, supporting their continued growth in the healthcare field.
These initiatives, together with Suffolk Credit Union’s annual scholarships for SUNY Suffolk students, highlight the organization’s deep-rooted commitment to uplifting local families, strengthening community partnerships, and helping students pursue brighter futures.
