$15,000 Awarded to Students Through SouthPoint Foundation Scholarship Program
(Sleepy Eye, MN – May 22, 2026) SouthPoint Financial Credit Union, a trusted leader in supporting education and community development, is proud to announce the recipients of its annual Foundation Scholarship Essay Competition. After carefully reviewing more than 120 essay submissions, a panel of judges has selected ten outstanding high school seniors to each receive a $1,500 scholarship.
The competition was open to SouthPoint members who are graduating seniors and plan to pursue higher education. Students were asked to submit essays that demonstrated originality, strong reasoning, and a meaningful perspective on a personal finance–related topic.
Essays were evaluated by an independent panel of judges using criteria that included creativity, clarity, coherence, and overall impact. This year’s selected submissions stood out for their thoughtful insights, strong critical thinking, and practical approaches to personal financial management.
We are excited to congratulate the following winners of the SouthPoint Foundation Scholarship Essay Competition:
- Ariana Garcia, Mankato; Mankato West High School
- Aubree Schwanz, Hutchinson; Hutchinson High School
- Charity Koller, Le Sueur; St. Peter High School
- Gavin Washburn, Hutchinson; Hutchinson High School
- Isaac Loegering, Waconia; Mayer Lutheran High School
- Josie Helget, St. James; Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s High School
- Kamryn Truebenbach, Nicollet; Nicollet Public High School
- Lydia Yost, St. Peter; St. Peter High School
- Micah Horak, St. Peter; Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
- Scarlett Hillesheim, Morton; Wabasso Public High School
“At SouthPoint, investing in education means investing in our future,” said the SouthPoint Foundation. “We’re continually impressed by the talent, perspective, and financial awareness shown by these students, and we’re honored to support them as they take the next step in their educational journey.”
The SouthPoint Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all applicants and to congratulate all the winners for their exceptional work and insightful essays. The scholarship essay competition is an integral part of our commitment to education and community development. By investing in the next generation’s education, we aim to create a brighter future for our communities and inspire young individuals to pursue their dreams.
For more information about the SouthPoint Foundation Scholarship Essay Competition and other initiatives, please visit our website or contact us at foundation@southpointfinancial.com.
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union Foundation is a registered 501c3 not-for-profit corporation established in 2017 to promote community giving and scholarship opportunities in the areas served by SouthPoint Financial Credit Union.