What's New at HRCU

• HRCU Announces 2009 Scholarship Recipients
  
  On June 22, the Holy Rosary Credit Union Board of Directors hosted a reception and presented five $1000 scholarships and one $500 scholarship to deserving high school graduates. The scholarships are awarded annually to members who are enrolled in an accredited college.
  The following are this year’s recipients: Marissa Cassily graduated from Spaulding High School in 2009 and will attend Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. Lydia Ferland graduated from Spaulding High School in 2009 and will attend the University of New Hampshire. Jessica Gannarelli graduated from Houston County High School in 2008 and is attending University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. Deborah LaValley graduated from Spaulding High School in 2009 and will attend Southern New Hampshire University. Sarah Tebo graduated from Spaulding High School in 2009 and will attend Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. Finally, Nicholas Hogan will be receiving a $500 scholarship for successful completion of the HRCU Banking Fundamentals Program with a grade of “A”. Nicholas Hogan graduated from Spaulding High School in 2009 and will attend the University of New Hampshire
  



• HRCU Sponsors Financial Education Fair
  
  “If I knew then what I know now…” When it comes to finances, many adults have uttered that sentence, or at least thought it to themselves. For the students at Prospect Mountain High School in Alton, they do know now, thanks to the CU 4 Reality Financial Education Fair.
  This educational fair, sponsored by Holy Rosary Credit Union, came at the conclusion of the CU 4 Reality Program offered at the school. Through their coursework, students learned important skills that will equip them to handle money responsibly, set and adhere to budgets, and avoid the pitfalls of debt. At the Fair, more than 60 students had the opportunity to meet and speak with representatives from insurance companies, realtors, and financial professionals to apply their in-class studies in a real world setting. The hands-on event propelled them through the personal financial management process, including career selection, budgeting for housing, transportation, luxuries, and more.
  “This was such a positive experience for us at HRCU,” said Brian Hughes, President & CEO of Holy Rosary Credit Union. “One of our missions is to educate the community. To see these young people really understand the concepts of budgeting, saving, and debt management was truly rewarding.”
  The success of this fair has led the Credit Union to investigate opportunities to hold other such events in the future. “The students enjoyed themselves, and we could see that they were learning valuable tools,” said Hughes. “We definitely would like to offer this again.”
  



• HRCU Donates to the Animals of CVHS
  
  When most people look at old computers, they see obsolescence. When Holy Rosary Credit Union looks at them, they see an opportunity to help. On April 14, Cocheco Valley Humane Society (CVHS) was the beneficiary of this opportunity in the form of a check for $525.
  
  When HRCU's Information Technology Department decided to upgrade employee computers, an idea was born that allowed the old computers to be put to good use, and the animal shelter to benefit. The Credit Union decided to sell them to staff, family and friends at a very affordable price, and donate the proceeds to the animal shelter. The department raised $525 dollars from the sales and met with Martha Hewitt, the Executive Director of Cocheco Valley Humane Society, to make the contribution.
  
  "This was a win on so many levels." said Donna Berube, Vice President of Technology at HRCU. "Although the computers no longer fit our needs, they were perfect for home use. People got a great deal for them, and the Humane Society received a much-needed donation." "Because of the difficult economy, we knew that the shelter has been experiencing a greater need." Berube continued. "We have a department of animal lovers, so it was an easy decision for us as to where to donate the money."
  
  The Cocheco Valley Humane Society is a local non-profit, community funded, animal shelter that cares for more than 2,500 surrendered animals each year. CVHS serves the animal welfare needs of Strafford County, New Hampshire and relies on volunteers, community support, grants and foundations to continue operations and deliver services.