M1 Announces 2024 Scholarship Winners

Members First Credit Union (M1) proudly announces the recipients of its annual scholarship program, awarding a total of $10,000 to four outstanding students. The scholarship program is dedicated to recognizing and assisting Members First members as they pursue their higher education aspirations.

Funded by the annual golf outing, Swinging for Scholarships, this tradition spanning 26 years brings together local businesses, credit union members, and the community for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Together, participants unite to support the credit union's scholarship program, which has positively impacted countless students throughout the years.

Among the scholarship recipients is Alea Casipit, a recent 2024 graduate from Dow High School. Alea's journey through high school was marked by notable achievements both academically and athletically. As the captain of the Varsity Girls Swim and Dive team and a four-year veteran of Dow High Girls track and field, she showcased exceptional leadership and dedication. Outside of school activities, Alea actively engaged in Dear Asian Youth and the Midland Dolphins swim club. Her passion for medicine was kindled early on, fueling her determination to make a meaningful impact in the field. Alea will be attending Calvin College in the fall, where she will major in biochemistry, with aspirations of pursuing the pre-medicine track and realizing her dream of attending medical school.

T'Emimimo Oshin, another scholarship recipient and recent graduate from Dow High School, is headed to Wayne State Medical School for a combined BS/MD Medicine Direct Program. T'Emimimo distinguished herself in DECA, garnering multiple accolades and achieving the prestigious title of 2023 DECA State Champion in Human Resource Management, advancing to the International Level. She also played a pivotal role in founding several organizations at Dow, including the Dow High Black Student Alliance and Black Youth of Midland. Known for her strong community orientation, T'Emimimo actively engages in endeavors aligned with her passions.

Calvin Older, a junior at Central Michigan University majoring in International Relations and Geographic Information Systems, stands out as an exceptional achiever. He has been honored with the Central Michigan University Presidential Academic Award and is a distinguished member of the CMU Honors Program. Calvin has served as the Treasurer for Refugee Outlook Collective and as an undergraduate representative for the Study Abroad Senate. In addition to his academic and leadership roles, he actively volunteers his time with Central Clean Up, Isabella County Restoration House, Central Votes, and contributes to CMU’s Annual Powwow. Calvin graduated from Clare high school in 2021.

Lindsey Shaw, a Junior at the University of Michigan Flint, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary studies. Actively engaged with the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club at U of M Flint, Lindsey has seized valuable volunteer opportunities that resonate with her passion for animal welfare. With a deep commitment to this cause, she intends to run for an officer position in the club this upcoming school year, aiming to contribute meaningfully to a cause close to her heart. During her high school years, Lindsey demonstrated her academic rigor and commitment as a dual-enrollment student and as an active member of the National Honor Society and cheerleading team. Lindsey graduated from Harrison high school in 2022.

"While we had so many amazing scholarship applications this year, we are very excited for our four award recipients" said Kristen Williamson, Community Relations Leader at Members First Credit Union. "We are proud to play a role in their future successes. M1 is committed to creating thriving communities and we are certain that these four students will help us achieve this vision as they continue their education.”

Members First Credit Union takes pride in supporting the educational goals and dreams of talented students in our community. Through these scholarships, the credit union aims to empower the next generation of leaders and professionals who will contribute to the betterment of society.