Madera High School Graduate Awarded Scholarship from Golden 1 Credit Union

Golden 1 Credit Union (Golden 1) is pleased to announce it has awarded Madera High School graduate Samantha Ruiz a scholarship. Ruiz is among 43 exceptional students throughout California to receive a Golden 1 scholarship, which are awarded based on a student’s academic achievements, community involvement, extracurricular activities, education, and career goals. 

“Golden 1 is committed to doing our part to help California’s excelling students, like Samantha, achieve their educational goals and dreams,” said Erica Taylor, Vice President of Communications and Community Relations for Golden 1 Credit Union. “Our annual scholarship program is one of the most important ways we give back to our members and the communities we are proud to serve.”

Samantha Ruiz, California State University, Fresno

Samantha Ruiz is an honor student who graduated from Madera High School with enough AP classes to begin her college education at California State University, Fresno with nearly half of her general education courses completed. 

Throughout high school, Ruiz was involved in many extracurricular activities, including Associated Student Body, Girl Scouts, California Scholarship Federation, and Mexican American Club, in addition to being captain of the girls’ soccer team where she received awards for Defensive Player of the Year and C.I.F Spirit of Sport.

“The power to overcome challenges is in your own hands,” said Ruiz. “You need to work hard for what you want as nothing is ever given, it is earned.”

Ruiz plans to major in Biology in college and attend medical school to become a dermatologist. Having faced her own struggles with acne growing up, she wants to be able to help people of all ages address their skin concerns and attain the same confidence she feels from having clear skin. Ruiz hopes to one day open her own local dermatology practice because Madera does not currently have one. 

“There are no words to describe how excited and thankful I am to have received this scholarship,” said Ruiz. “The Golden 1 scholarship has released financial barriers and will allow me to focus on my education and helping my community.”

The Golden 1 Credit Union Scholarship Program provides members and their dependents financial assistance, valued at up to $20,000 per student, for full-time students who plan to attend accredited, nonprofit two-year community colleges or four-year colleges and universities in California. Since the program began in 2013, Golden 1 has awarded nearly 500 scholarships to college-bound students throughout the state. For more information, visit golden1.com/our-community/scholarships. 

ABOUT GOLDEN 1 CREDIT UNION 
With more than $18 billion in assets, Golden 1 Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the United States and proudly serves all those who live or work in California. Golden 1 delivers financial solutions with value, convenience, and exceptional service to members. As a dynamic and trusted leader, Golden 1 is committed to enhancing the financial well-being of Californians and their diverse communities. Golden 1 is more than 1 million members strong and has more than 2,000 employees. Visit golden1.com for more information.