5 Anne Arundel Students Win Scholarships From Maryland's Largest Credit Union

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Five Anne Arundel County natives recently won scholarships from the SECU MD Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the state's largest credit union. The nonprofit announced these local winners on Wednesday:

• Terra Greene (Mississippi State University)
• Kayla Griffith (University of Missouri)
• Roslyn Kelly (Liberty University)
• Olabisi Omoniyi-Alake (University of Maryland, College Park)
• Paris Walker (Wright State University)

Walker was one of four grand prize winners who each took home a $5,000 scholarship. The other grand prize winners were:

• Lucero Espinal (Western Governors University)
• Deanna Parker (Chesapeake College)
• Luke Peyton (Messiah University)

During a June 28 ceremony at SECU's headquarters in Linthicum Heights, the foundation handed out $115,000 in scholarships. The money will help 27 Maryland students attending a trade or technical school, college or university in the fall. Click here to see the full list of winners.

“The SECU MD Foundation launched its Scholarship Program on the belief that cost should not be a barrier for education and that education could open the door to a brighter future not only for our members but the communities around them,” said Becky Smith, president of the SECU MD Foundation, in a statement.

The grand prize scholarships were presented in memory of Donald Tynes Sr., SECU’s longest-serving Board member who died in March.

"This year, we’re thrilled to expand upon our program and recognize four Grand Prize Winners in honor of Donald, who served as an inspiring role model for many young professionals and who had an endless passion for giving back to his community," Smith said. "We’re truly honored to continue paying Donald’s kindness forward and helping others in his memory.”

Since the program began in 2007, SECU and the foundation have awarded more than $930,000 in scholarships to more than 300 SECU members and their families.

The SECU MD Foundation will begin accepting applications in February for the 2023 scholarship program. To learn more about the program, visit www.secumdfoundation.org/programs/scholarship-program or email questions to secumdfoundation@secumd.com.

Editor's Note: Field Editor Michael O'Connell originally wrote this story for Rockville Patch. Jacob Baumgart, another field editor, adapted it and republished it with Anne Arundel County's information.