Tropical Financial Credit Union Awards $10,000 in Scholarships

Young adults have a lot on their plates these days, but three local college students can breathe a bit easier about their tuition, thanks to scholarships from Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) in Miramar, Florida. This year, the South Florida credit union awarded three scholarships totaling $10,000–one grand prize of $5,000 and two $2,500 awards to deserving students.

The credit union created this scholarship program more than a decade ago to help area students further their education. The scholarship recipients are:

• Patrick Ouano, from Kissimmee, is the recipient of TFCU’s $5,000 scholarship. After graduating from Gateway High School, he plans on attending the University of Florida to major in Computer Science. He is a member of multiple clubs including National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, Best Buddies and more, with leadership positions in each.
• Claudia Ferreiro, from Miami, is one of the two $2,500 scholarship winners. After graduating from John A. Ferguson Senior High School, she plans on attending Florida Atlantic University to major in Political Science. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and is Vice President of the English Honor Society. Claudia hopes to become a lawyer in the future.
• Jenna Huben, from Coconut Creek is TFCU’s second $2,500 scholarship winner. Jenna is currently attending the University of Florida where she is working to get her master’s degree in Entrepreneurship after getting her Bachelor of Health Science Degree with a minor in Disabilities in May 2023.

“Our scholarship program gives us the opportunity to connect with our members and the students we support,” said Rick Shaw, President and CEO. “We are lucky that many of our scholarship winners stay in touch, so we get to see how they thrive at school and beyond.”

All applicants were required to submit an essay highlighting their personal and educational objectives and how TFCU has helped, or could help, them reach financial goals. Other factors considered: community involvement, charity work, and extracurricular activities.