Mechanics Cooperative Bank is proud to announce John Myron and Mitchell Lavoie of Somerset Berkley Regional High School, Kelsey Hebert and Kimberly Medeiros of Taunton High School, and Casandra Abgrab of Westport High School as the recipients of the 2016 Mechanics Cooperative Bank Scholarship Awards! The Mechanics Cooperative Bank scholarships were created to support local students who excelled in their pursuit of higher education. All applicants were evaluated based on their high school careers comprising of academics, athletics and community service.
John Myron recently graduated from Somerset Berkley Regional High School as a member of both the National Honor Society and Student Advisory Committee, where he excelled in academics taking AP courses. In addition to being a top academic performer, John was the Student Council President for three (3) consecutive terms as a sophomore, junior and senior. He also participated in sports as Cross Country runner and a start basketball player, being named Captain his senior year. With his hard work and success John took home numerous awards for his service including the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, UPENN Book Award, Sportsmanship Award and the History Departmental Award. Also dedicated volunteer in his community John will be attending Boston College this fall and will major in Political Science and international Relations.
Mitchell Lavoie also graduated from Somerset Berkley Regional High School with an outstanding career clearly showing his dedication to both his school and academics. In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, Mitchell also participated on the Math Team, Student Council and the Somerset Berkley Regional High School Strategic Planning Committee. He was ranked two in his class and was also a committed athlete playing for their cross country track team and as a member of unified sports. His commitment to these activities proved impressive considering Mitchell was also taking such demanding courses as AP Language and World History. Also committed to his community Mitchell was a helpful and supportive tutor for the Big Buddy Program and as local church volunteer. Mitchell will be attending Boston College in the fall and will be a pre-med major.
Casandra Abgrab graduated from Westport High School with an impressive career in academics, athletics and community service. Casandra played varsity field hockey and was named captain her senior year and also a Boston Herald & Standard Times All Star for her outstanding play. Casandra was also a varsity cheerleader when not playing field hockey. In addition, she was a Vice President of the National Honors Society, a Student Council Representative as the Vice President and a star member of the Peer Mentoring Program. She also served as a Youth Group Member and volunteered her time at the local food pantry and soup kitchen. Casandra will be attending Catholic University of America and will major in mathematics. This specific scholarship awarded to Casandra in the amount of $1,000 was made in memory of Raymond H. Bibeau, President and CEO of Lafayette Federal Savings Bank for over 30 years. This annual scholarship was created as a result of the merger between Lafayette and Mechanics Cooperative Bank in 2008 and honors Mr. Bibeau’s lifelong commitment to education and support of our local community.
Kelsey Hebert recently graduated from Taunton High School as a member of both the National Honor Society and School Council. She excelled in academics taking AP courses such as Chemistry, English Language Composition, Programming III and U.S. History. In addition to being a top academic performer, Kelsey was a strong member of the Student Council as Class President, an E-Board Delegate and the Prom Committee. She also participated in sports as varsity volleyball and tennis player. Kelsey was also a dedicated volunteer as a Taunton Boys & Girls Club Tutor and Relay for Life participant. Kelsey will be attending the University of Connecticut this fall and will major in Molecular and Cell Biology (pre-dental).
Kimberly Medeiros also graduated from Taunton High School with an outstanding career clearly showing her dedication to both school and academics. In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, Kimberly also participated on the DECA Club where she and her team placed 4th and 11th respectively in the state competition. She was also a committed dance student dedicating here time to performances at nursing homes and public community events such as the Taunton Christmas Parade. Kimberly is certified in first aid and is eligible for a state child care license to be a pre-school teacher. Her commitment to these activities proved impressive considering Kimberly was also taking such demanding courses as Honors Algebra, English III and U.S. History. Kimberly will be attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in the fall and will major in Nursing.
President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank Joseph T. Baptista Jr. said “students like John, Mitchell, Kelsey, Casandra and Kimberly are the exact reasons Mechanics Cooperative Bank awards these scholarships annually. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to success, their schools, our community, and the pursuit of higher education, is valued and appreciated by the Bank and our Board of Directors. We are proud of their impressive high school careers and wish them the best of luck and success as they enter the next phase of education – we are positive these students will go on to do wonderful things in this world.”
With total assets of $497 million, Mechanics Cooperative Bank offers a wide variety of personal and business deposit and loan products. And as a Massachusetts co-operative bank, 100% of customers’ deposits are always fully insured. Established in 1877, Mechanics Cooperative Bank is Massachusetts’ second-oldest co-operative bank with eight conveniently located branches in Bridgewater, Taunton, North Dighton, Somerset, Swansea, Fall River and Westport. For more information, call 1- 888-MECHANICS (632-4264) or visit Mechanics-Coop.com. Member FDIC. Member SIF. Equal Housing Lender.
