Meet the 2020 Sandra B. Neves Scholarship Recipients

Fitzsimons Credit Union believes in the power of education to transform communities and is pleased to announce the 2020 recipients of the Sandra B. Neves Scholarship.  Created by the board of directors and supported by the credit union, the scholarship is named in honor of former CEO, Sandra Neves, and was founded after her retirement in 2017.  Ms. Neves has always been passionate about higher education asserting that “it takes a personal commitment, dedication and endless work, formal education and whatever fills your desire to obtain and fulfill your goal to an enjoyable career.”

Fitzsimons’ current President & CEO, Robert M. Fryberger Jr., states “Receiving a scholarship means you meet Sandy’s commitment to lifelong learning and her belief that education is essential toward self-fulfillment.” He encourages recipients to “never stop learning.”

This year’s scholarship recipients were chosen based upon academic achievement, career aspirations, community service, extracurricular participation, and financial need. They received varying amounts totaling $5,000.  The awardees are, in no particular order:

Breanna Kendle is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English. In addition to studying full-time and achieving academic excellence, Breanna has established herself as a compassionate leader in her community through volunteer work at her church and  for an international camping club where she organizes events and children’s activities, and helps with fundraising.

Jazmyn Johnson is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality leadership. She is one step closer to achieving her goal of having her own successful catering business. She has overcome numerous obstacles to get where she is now. Through it all Jazmyn believes “true success is knowing that when all else fails, you will have the mindset to know that nothing can beat you, not even failure.”

Mikayla Moulton-Burridge, is a first-generation college student, who is pursuing a career in law enforcement. She is determined to facilitate a change in law enforcement and create an environment with more diversity. In addition to the many honors she has earned, she volunteers her time doing community service at various organizations.

Juan Saucedo is a hardworking student, committed to learning and academic success. His career goal is to get his diploma for civil engineering. In addition to winning the Hard-Working Core Value Award at DSST: Cole High school for three years, he also spends his time volunteering cleaning and planting trees at Garden Place Academy.

Ramadje Benoudjita is currently studying at the Community College of Denver and will be transferring to Regis University, where he will pursue a B.S. in Accounting. Ramadje overcame great challenges to study and live in the United States.  As one of his references stated, “Ramadje is valuable member of the community, participating in different programs and volunteering at community events.”

Yusuf Ali has forged his own path and will be pursuing a degree in business administration with a focus in business law and sports. As his mathematics teacher mentions, “Yusuf is hard working and a reliable person who is able to manage his academics as well as contribute to our community.  Yusuf is a very well-rounded person who is dedicated to making a difference in the world.”