The St. Jean’s Credit Union Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 College Scholarship Program. As an advocate for continued education, the Foundation Board of Trustees awarded seven (7) scholarships in the amount of $1000 to high school seniors who are members of St. Jean’s Credit Union or have a parent or guardian who is a member. Recipients must also be enrolled in an undergraduate college degree program during the 2026 – 2027 academic year. 

Winners were selected based on academic achievement, community service and a typewritten essay.

The St. Jean’s Credit Union Charitable Foundation awarded $1000 to seven (7) students in our field of membership.

Skylar Ikemoto, a graduate of Newburyport High School, was awarded a scholarship.  Skylar distinguished herself as the Valedictorian of her graduating class, earning a Grade Point Average of 4.983. Throughout high school, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, completing seventeen honors courses and seven Advanced Placement courses. She also served as a member of the national Honor Society, the Student Council, and the Class of 2026 Executive Committee, exemplifying leadership both inside and outside the classroom. Skylar’s passion for learning and embracing new perspectives has helped shape the person she is today and reflects the values of curiosity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Skylar will be attending Villanova University in the fall and will study biochemistry.

Ryan Urbanowicz, a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Lynn will attend St. Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Ryan’s high school journey has been defined by extraordinary resilience, determination, and perseverance. Since receiving a life-changing medical diagnosis at the age of thirteen, Ryan has faced numerous health challenges while remaining steadfast in his commitment to academic success. Throughout years of medical appointments and treatments, Ryan never allowed his circumstances to diminish his educational goals. In addition to his studies, Ryan was an active participant in athletics, competing as a member of the cross-country team before discovering a passion for rowing with the St. Mary’s crew team. As he entered senior year, Ryan encountered yet another medical setback that required surgery. Although the procedure disrupted the start of his final year of high school, he returned to the classroom with determination and completed his studies with an impressive 4.31 cumulative grade point average.

Lily Mancaniello, ranked 5th out of 512  students at Lynn English High School in Lynn, is a 2026 foundation scholarship recipient. Her exceptional academic record reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence, with her lowest grade throughout her high school career being a B+. Beyond her impressive academic accomplishments, Lily has demonstrated remarkable resilience and maturity in overcoming personal challenges. She speaks openly about developing strength, perseverance, and the capacity to find joy despite adversity. Through her experiences, Lily has become an advocate for empathy and positive self-image, recognizing the pressures many young people face regarding appearance and self-worth. Lily has been accepted to Fordham University, American University, Simmons University and University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

William Bochnak, an Honors student at St. John’s Preparatory School (SJP) in Danvers, MA demonstrated an exceptional commitment to academic excellence throughout his high school career, completing 4 Advanced Placement courses while earning recognition as a member of both the National Honor Society and the Computer Science National Honor Society. A resident of Lynn, MA, William grew up in a vibrant and culturally diverse community where people from many backgrounds, languages, and traditions live side by side. After enrolling at SJP in the sixth grade, he quickly recognized that the student population was less reflective of the diversity he experienced in his hometown. The St. Jean’s Credit Union Charitable Foundation congratulates William on his exceptional accomplishments and applauds his commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and fostering understanding across diverse communities. His story exemplifies the values celebrated through the Foundation’s annual scholarship program, recognizing students who demonstrate achievement, character, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. William’s outstanding academic achievements have earned him acceptance to several prestigious institutions, including Georgia Institute of Technology, Colgate University, Olin College of Engineering, and the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor.

Bridgett Toomy, a graduate of Lynn Classical High School where she is ranked 3rd out of 408 graduating seniors. Her dedication to academic excellence is reflected in her membership in the National Honor Society as well as her participation as an Advanced Placement and dual Enrollment student. Beyond her academic accomplishments, Bridgett’s compassion and commitment to others have shaped who she is today. She finds great joy in supporting her younger sister, who is physically and cognitively challenged. Bridgett embraces every opportunity to include her sister in her activities, sharing that they are each other’s biggest fans. Their relationship has provided Bridgett with invaluable life experiences that have influenced her personal goals and future aspirations. Fascinated by science and inspired by the medical field, Bridgett chose to pursue additional science coursework in place of traditional electives. She also enrolled in early college courses through Salem State University focused on a medical track. She plans to continue this path by majoring in neuroscience in college. In her scholarship essay, Bridgett reflected on the determination and resilience she has developed throughout her life, noting that her experiences with her sister have given her the foundation necessary to succeed in the neuroscience field. She is confident in her ability to achieve her goals while continuing to support and encourage her sister in reaching hers. Bridgett has been accepted to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Connecticut, and is awaiting decisions from Boston University and Northeastern University.

Revere high School Student, Adam Ashour, is an exceptional student and leader, graduating 1st in his class with an outstanding 4.79 cumulative grade point average. His dedication to academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and service has set him apart throughout his high school career.  During his high school journey, Adam had the opportunity to intern with the Attorney General’s Office, where he gained firsthand insight into the impact he could make through the intersection of technology and the legal field. Through this experience, Adam discovered that with motivation, research, and innovation, his skills could complement traditional legal research methods and contribute to improving access to justice. Adam envisions a future that combines his interests in law and computer science. Rather than pursuing only one path, he hopes to use computational thinking to help make legal systems more accessible, efficient, and equitable. His passion for problem-solving and commitment to learning reflect his desire to create meaningful improvements within the legal system. This fall, Adam will attend Harvard University, where he looks forward to expanding his knowledge and continuing to explore the relationship between technology, law, and society.

Gaia Mulligan, a graduate of Salem High School is our 7th scholarship recipient. Gaia is a passionate and creative student with a strong interest in cyber technology and the ways in which technology can shape the future. Throughout her high school journey, Gaia has embraced opportunities to learn, explore, and develop skills that reflect her curiosity and innovative mindset. Beyond the classroom, Gaia has found inspiration and personal growth through her interest in The Sims 4, a popular life simulation game that allows players to create and guide virtual characters through everyday experiences, careers, and personal development. What began as a creative outlet has become a meaningful reflection of Gaia’s own growth, teaching her valuable lessons in time management, prioritization, decision-making, and navigating life’s challenges. Gaia recognizes the connection between the virtual worlds she creates and the skills she applies in her own life. Through this experience, she has developed a deeper understanding of planning, adaptability, and competing priorities—qualities that will serve her well as she continues her educational journey. Gaia has been accepted to Rochester Institute of Technology, DePaul University, Savannah College of Art and Design, and the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she looks forward to continuing to explore her interests and expand her knowledge in technology and innovation.

About St. Jean’s Credit Union Charitable Foundation

The St. Jean’s Credit Union Charitable Foundation serves as the charitable arm of St. Jean’s Credit Union, providing resources for those in need while supporting our mission of “Strengthening Communities Through Giving.” Established in 2018, the St. Jean’s Credit Union Charitable Foundation mission is to promote the idea that through the participation and support of community activities, non-profit organizations, school events and civic and youth organizations, our members and communities will prosper.