Starting Feb. 2, applications will be accepted for the 19th Annual First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union’s Barbara Whitehead Silva Scholarship  & Champion Family Scholarship Program. In total 15 $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.

The program provides graduating seniors from eleven local area schools, including Old Rochester Regional High School, with a $1,000 scholarship awarded to them based on academic achievement, community service and financial need. In addition, one scholarship will be awarded in honor of Barbara Whitehead Silva, former president/ and chief executive officer, for her 45 years of dedicated service to the institution.  The remaining three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to immediate family of members with a champion checking account. Champion accounts are exclusively available to teachers, EMTs, police, firefighters and healthcare professionals.

Applications are available at all First Citizens’ branch offices or online at www.firstcitizens.org. Requirements state that the applicant or parent must be a member of First Citizens’ and the applicant must be a high school senior accepted to a college or university for the 2015-2016 academic year.  They must submit: A completed application. One page typewritten essay addressing why their major field of study was chosen and how it applies to their career goals. Comprehensive official transcripts.

The application deadline is April 1.