At Members First Credit Union, we’re deeply committed to supporting young people in our community on their quest for further education through our annual scholarship program. Every year, we’re so inspired by the incredible students who are working hard to achieve their dreams and make a difference.

We’re proud to announce the six winners of our 2025 scholarship program. Each scholarship is named in honor of community leaders and awarded in recognition of outstanding student potential: 

• The Wilbur L. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship – awarded to a student pursuing leadership and business aspirations.
• The Michael L. Briggs Memorial Scholarship – honoring the late Manchester police officer, supporting a student pursuing a career in law enforcement.
• Members First Credit Union Memorial Scholarships – given in honor of former members of our Board of Directors, recognizing their hard work and dedication to Members First and the community.
• The John S. Walsh Memorial Scholarship – honoring the founder of Members First Credit Union and his passion for the credit union industry. It is open to students employed by the City of Manchester or the Manchester School District, or those with a parent currently employed by or retired from either.

Meet Our 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Adam Lafond

Adam Lafond, recipient of the Michael L. Briggs Memorial Scholarship, is starting his freshman year at Thomas College and has plans for a career in law enforcement. He shared his excitement at receiving the scholarship, saying: “I'm very proud to have been chosen, and plan to use the scholarship to help with future endeavors on my journey to becoming a police officer.” Adam expressed the significance of the award honoring Officer Briggs: “I'm excited to be able to protect and serve my community, and winning this scholarship brings me one step closer to my goal.”

Jenna Graf

The Members First Credit Union Memorial Scholarship that Jenna Graf received recognizes the commitment and contributions of our Board of Directors members, and Jenna has chosen a career path that will enable her to make her own contributions. For years, Jenna has been interested in the role radiography can play in the diagnosis of disease because “it allows you to see beyond what the naked eye can see and the technology is so cutting edge.” This fall she will begin her studies at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Kaylie Christopherson

With her goals of being an entrepreneur and great interest in business leadership, Kaylie Christopherson is a natural fit as the recipient of the Wilbur L. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship. As a student at Gordon College, Kaylie will study Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economics to expand her decision-making abilities and knowledge of business and economics. “With these,” she said, “I hope to start my own business and become a person of positive influence to my community, just like Wilbur. This scholarship helps me significantly toward attaining such roles.”

Noah Von Dette

Members First Credit Union Memorial Scholarship recipient Noah Von Dette became interested in his chosen career field when he participated in a sports program for people with disabilities. This experience led to him choosing to study Special Education at the University of Vermont, with a goal to “create an environment that radiates care for everyone in it.” When Noah found out he had received the scholarship, he said, “This will help me follow my passion to provide a safe, comfortable, and inclusive space for all the children I will work with in my future.”  

Emma Malone

Emma Malone received the John S. Walsh Memorial Scholarship, which honors Members First’s founder. Emma is entering her second year of college at the University of Connecticut. After spending some time in the hospital as a child, she remembered the team of nurses who cared for her as “angelic,” and chose a career in nursing largely due to their inspiration. Emma explained, “Through nursing, I get to touch many lives by providing care, with the same compassion and affection I received.”

Jillian Fredette

Jillian Fredette, a Members First Credit Union Memorial Scholarship Recipient, will be attending Colby Sawyer College to study nursing. In her many hours of shadowing a Labor and Delivery nurse, she was able to get a real sense of what these nurses see daily, from patient care to deliveries to surgeries. Her experience convinced her of her desire to become a nurse, specializing in Labor and Delivery. Afte receiving the scholarship, Jillian said, “I am extremely committed to making the most of this opportunity and giving back by helping people in my community who need it!”

Investing in the Future

Every scholarship represents more than financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in our young people and the positive difference they will make in their communities.

We’re grateful for the chance to honor these hardworking students and incredibly proud to play a small role in their journeys toward further education. We can’t wait to see how they shape the future of New Hampshire!

🔗 Interested in applying for a future Members First Credit Union scholarship? Learn more here:membersfirstnh.org/Learn/Applying-for-Scholarships