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Franklin Mint FCU Celebrates Education During Its First Partners in Learning Banquet
April 19, 2006 – Broomall, PA – Delaware County educators, school administrators, students and Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) staff gathered for the first Partners In Learning banquet held at Drexelbrook Corporate Event Center in Drexel Hill, PA to celebrate education, award scholarships and recognize those who are devoted to educating students on how to be financially savvy.“This evening is about celebrating and recognizing, both financial education and academic achievement, and those who make it happen,” Rick Durante, Assistant Vice President and Director of Education said during his opening remarks.
One of the evening’s highlights was naming the 2006 Financial Literacy Advocate. Michael B. Magnavita, FMFCU Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, described recipient and Marple Township resident, Margaret (Peggy) Wanger, Interboro High School Business Education Teacher, as a financial literacy \"trailblazer\" who was instrumental in helping to open FMFCU’s first student-operated branch (also the first in the Philadelphia region).
\"Peggy has raised the standard for financial education, and FMFCU applauds her for her efforts and commitment,\" Magnavita said.
Business teachers, Rita Deitrich, Springfield High School and Anthony Fortuna, Upper Darby High School also were recognized for their commitment to financial literacy. Each volunteers as a liaison, who works with FMFCU, their school’s student-operated branch and school district.
The student-operated branches at Interboro, Upper Darby and Springfield High Schools wouldn’t be what they are without the commitment from the student member service representatives. During the event, student workers were acknowledged and praised for contributing to the success of their branch. The following students were recognized and presented with a plaque: Daniela Koci, Ian Lynch, Ida Eckhardt, Mark DiNapoli, Matt Hawkins, Mike Sheils, and Steven Aikens (all from Interboro High School); Anthony Sciandra, Bonnie Tress, Davinder Pal Singh, Julie Caufield, Lewis Miller, Marcia Dorley, Michael Thilker, Natasia Pascoe, Quynh Nguyen, Sarah Antolini, Shannon Donnelly, Steven Lonergan and Thuy-Duong Lou (all from Upper Darby High School) and Bill Horan, Brian Dawson, Cara Ripoli, Chris D\'Anjolell, Gina Raffa, Joseph Winkler, Michael Tolvaisa, Phil Sabato, Robert Rowntree and Ryan Roby (all from Springfield High School).
In addition, student branch council presidents, Matthew Hawkins from Interboro High School, Sarah Antolini from Upper Darby High School and Phil Sabato from Springfield High School, were each presented with the Student Branch Leadership award for providing exemplary guidance in their branch and school insight to Credit Union officials.
The evening ended on a high note when high school seniors, Colleen DeFruscio of Havertown, Kelly Anne Farrelly of Lebanon, NJ and Rachel Barrett of Girdletree, MD were awarded the annual John D. Unangst Scholarship, named on behalf of the Credit Union’s President and CEO. The Credit Union also awarded a fourth scholarship, the John D. Unangst Interboro Scholarship to Harry Chin III of Glenolden, PA. Each winner received a $1,500 scholarship.
\"The Credit Union believes it is important to recognize academic achievement and to provide students with a means to help them further their education. Our scholarship program allows us to do this,\" says John D. Unangst, FMFCU President and CEO.
To continue its financial literacy efforts, FMFCU is planning to open two more student-operated branches this fall at Penn Wood High School in Lansdowne and at Strath Haven High School in Strath Haven. FMFCU will then have five student-operated branches.
For additional information on FMFCU’s financial literacy program, contact Rick Durante, Assistant Vice President and Director of Education at 610-325-5008.