Pearl River's Kohlbrenner Gets Palisades Federal Scholarship

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Palisades Federal Credit Union, the largest Rockland County based Credit Union, announced five recipients of their annual George Hatala scholarship. Scholarships were presented at the Credit Union’s annual meeting at the in Nanuet. Two of the five scholars also received scholarships from the Rockland and Westchester Credit Union chapter and one of these students was the first place winner of the New York State Credit Union League scholarship. Combined the eight awards brought the evening's total to $4,500 in scholarships.

Palisades’ George Hatala scholarship was created to honor Mr. Hatala’s resilient efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone in Rockland County, especially the youth. “We admire the dedication, achievement and contributions of these young, talented students,” said Mark Welshoff, President and CEO of Palisades Federal Credit Union. “They are ambitious, hard-working and pursuing a wide spectrum of goals and paths.” 

Eligible scholarship applicants were college bound high school seniors who will be attending college for the first time in the fall of 2012 and are members of the Rockland County based Credit Union. Scholars were selected because of their academic performance, extracurricular and community activities and a written essay based on the Credit Union industry’s philosophy, “People helping People”.

The recipients and corresponding high schools represented are:

• Maria Kohlbrenner Pearl River High School
• Joval Mathew Tappan Zee High School
• Neal Patel Tappan Zee High School
• Megan Ryan Clarkstown High School
• Pallavi Tatapudi Suffern High School

"We are pleased to award these scholarships to some of our brightest high school students," said Anthony Pili, VP of Sales and Marketing at Palisades Federal Credit Union. "By supporting the next generation of great minds, we pay tribute to George and his vision."

Kohlbrenner was a standout in cross country and track and field at Pearl River, most recently teaming with Molly Shine, Kelly Hayes and Danielle Muchoe to finish fifth in the girls distance medley relay at the New Balance National Championships, earning All-American status. She was also honored in May for earning a place in the Pearl River Class of 2012 top 10 percent.

About Palisades Federal Credit Union

Headquartered in Pearl River, NY, Palisades Federal Credit Union (www.palisadesfcu.org), with more than $150 Million in assets, is the largest Rockland County based Credit Union. The New York Credit Union operates 4 branches and provides full service banking products and surcharge-free access to over 40,000 ATMs nationwide. Credit Union membership and Credit Union loans are open to anyone who lives, works, studies, or worships in Rockland County.