Ignite My Future Scholarship
PATRICK MOCHAN | Midview High School
Some lead by example: and David’s gift for fostering personal connections and standing as a role model is how he gives back. As a Youth Challenge volunteer, he brought athletics, the arts, and positive social experiences to young campers with disabilities. Back at school, David is a dedicated participant in the Big Brother Mentorship Program. Having benefitted from the support of a senior student himself, David carries on that legacy by encouraging and guiding incoming freshmen. David saw the impact of his mentorship while volunteering with the Arrupe Summer program. He was partnered with a student struggling to fit in amicably with other students; so David went above and beyond to model peaceful and cooperative solutions. By the end of the program, David’s mentee heard the message and was passing it on to other students who were having trouble. David is a beacon whose volunteering efforts and influence makes his community stronger.
DAVID TELBAN | St. Ignatius
Patrick’s own words summarize what drives him: “Making my community a better place has always been about fostering meaningful connections and creating opportunities for others to thrive.” This Student Council Co-President is a keen problem solver and planner. You might find Patrick assisting athletes and students with disabilities as a volunteer for both Special Olympics and the Best Buddies program. He was instrumental in providing 600 books to local children in need, and participated in efforts to warm up the holidays with seasonal surprises for elderly residents in a time of year that often feels lonely and isolating. Community need not be local either – as Patrick’s work in Panama culminated in the construction of a school for underprivileged children. Building inviting, inclusive spaces that bring people together – that’s how Patrick gives back.
Supporting Students
Are you a teen with a passion for supporting the community? You may be eligible for the Ignite My Future Scholarship, available exclusively for Club Ignite members. Each year, FFCCU will award two (2) $1,000 scholarships to deserving high-school students. Our 2026 application period begins December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026.
KUDOS!
We want to give a shout out to Margaret from the Emerald Branch, she was excellent in helping us with our accounts. She made it easy to understand and to do. She even came in on her day off to help us...
John D.
Berto was awesome. I joined up today as a brand new member, and he helped in every possible way to make the process smooth and complete. Thanks, Berto!
Karen
I’ve been with FFCCU for over 25 years and always have great experiences. Lisa Snell was no exception: whether online or meeting in person to close my auto loan, she’s fantastic!
-Julie Z.
I’d had a poor experience with a previous lender, but took a chance and reached out to FFCCU. I am so happy I went with them and got locked in on a rate I was flabbergasted by. I’m switchi...
-Brian W.
Jenny and Victoria from the Wellington branch were super helpful with getting things going for me, and gave me peace of mind. So grateful for their help!
-Austin L.
Thanks to Brian Velioniskis, our financial goals are back on track. He explained the options for setting up our home equity loan very clearly and made the process easy.
-Jeff C.
The quick response was A-1. The respect was apparent, and the knowledge? –muah!– [chef’s kiss] Thanks to the North Ridgeville Branch team!
Kim M.
Wow!!! You give me the best customer service!!! I’m an 8-year Member and can say my Credit Union performs like nothing else. They take such a personal interest in all my issues, great and small.
-David W.
Tiffany Zifcak worked with me on my recent home equity loan and did an amazing job. She made the process quick and easy for me. Will be using FFCCU for more of my financial needs in the future.
-Mike K.
I experienced a problem with an automatic withdrawal. Emily provided lots of information on how to handle it and secured a refund. More than that: she gave me moral support, when I was feeling very up...
Irene
Just joined the FFCCU when I refinanced my car loan. I couldn’t be happier with the service Jenny Stanfield and Ginny Hainen provided! I did almost everything online. Easy, convenient, and they saved...
-Maria K.
Big kudos to the West Side CLE branch. I secured my new car loan with a rate better than what the dealer was offering. FFCCU has always been my go-to for car loans for this very reason!
-Bridget E.
Rules and Eligibility Information
- Applicants in grade 12 must be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or accredited trade or vocational school.
- Students in grades 9-11 must be planning to attend a tuition-based high-school or taking courses for college credit, with out of pocket tuition expenses, in the upcoming fall semester.
- The scholarship money is applied to the upcoming fall semester tuition.
- ALL requested information must be received for application to be considered.
- Scholarship funds will be made payable to the institution specified by the winners.
- Scholarship winners must agree to allow their name and information to be published by the credit union for promotional purposes.
- This is not a one-time scholarship. However, applicants must complete a new application to be considered for each academic year.
Additional Info to Know
FFCCU employees and board members, and their immediate family members (siblings, parents/guardians or grandparents, or any family members living in the same household) are not eligible.
The selection committee, comprised of FFCCU Board Members and Teammates, will individually evaluate each application without identifying information. Applicants will be considering community involvement, essay, and cumulative GPA. The selection committee will not review any additional information given. FFCCU will complete a scoring sheet for each application by each selection committee member. The highest scoring applicants will move to a final round where FFCCU judge panels will determine the winners.
Please follow the submission instructions outlined on the application webpage, available December 1. Applicants must submit electronically. FFCCU will not consider applications delivered in person. If you do not follow directions thoroughly, your application will not be considered. The complete application must include all the required supplements. Students must submit their applications no later than January 31, 2025.
FFCCU will notify only winners of the Ignite My Future Scholarship. Checks will be made payable to the educational institution that the applicant has chosen to attend and mailed directly to that institution. Firefighters Community Credit Union asks that each recipient allow the credit union to use their name and photograph in promotional materials and press releases.