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!
KUDOS to Laura Z. Thank you for all your time and help. All my issues were resolved. You are greatly appreciated!
-Donna H.
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.
Erica Irons went above and beyond for our home loan! In spite of storm damage causing our branch to close, she made our transaction smooth. I love FFCCU in Willoughby ❤️
-Mary Kay & Joe
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
Beth and Kathy were excellent to work with. They answered every question I had and every phone call I made. I loved those two.
-Alan S.
Once again, great service here! My membership goes back almost 40 years with Firefighters Community Credit Union. Never a disappointment.
-Dave
I needed a new vehicle loan, and FFCCU beat other interest rates so dramatically it was a no “brainer.” I was so happy with the service I am switching all of my checking and savings over. Kudos...
-Amy B.
I would like to thank Meghan T., for taking her time with a loan we needed. We were nervous about coming in, but she was very thorough and helpful. Words can’t express how appreciated we felt!
-Alice & James D.
Lisa Snell makes every customer feel heard, valued, and appreciated, turning every interaction into a positive experience. Thank you very much Lisa at the Emerald branch location!!
-Gissela S.
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.
Whenever I have questions and start a chat I always receive a quick response with all my questions thoroughly answered. Just wanted to say THANK YOU!
-Jerry T.
I cannot say enough good things about the individuals I have worked with – especially when my card number was stolen. The service I have had is why I have moved all my accounts to FFCCU. KUDOS!
-David H.
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.