Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union, Battle Creek, Mich., has awarded its 2006 college scholarship to Ashtyn Sparks. The KCFCU Scholarship covers all tuition and admission fees to Kellogg Community College for two years. Sparks was chosen because she has shown leadership through her school participation and has achieved high academic marks throughout her high school career. She plans to pursue a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations. Educational Community Credit Union, Kalamazoo, Mich., recently held a reception in recognition of 21 outstanding students who received $23,000 in scholarships. The 2006 ECCU Scholarship Awards Ceremony had over 60 people in attendance and was presided by President/CEO Charles Cornelius who presented 19 $1,000 and two $2,000 scholarships. The $2,000 scholarships were created and named the Robert E. Treloar Scholarship and the Donna van Westrienen Scholarship in honor of two individuals who served on the board for over 20 years each. City of Boston Credit Union, Boston, takes a stand against gun violence by becoming a Community Partner in the City of Boston's "Aim For Peace" Campaign. The CU donated $5,000 to support the efforts of the 2006 Boston Gun Buyback program. The City of Boston established "Aim For Peace" in hopes of silencing gun violence in the city. The program offers members of the community the opportunity to anonymously turn in weapons with "no questions asked." In exchange for the weapon the individual will receive a $200 Target Gift Card. In order for "Aim For Peace" to be a success, funds needed to be replenished to purchase the $200 Target Gift Cards, because of this the CU became a Community Partner. Northwest Community Credit Union, Springfield, Ore., raised more than $7,000 for the Children's Miracle Network. Working a three-hour shift at the Valley River Center, volunteers, from tellers to the CEO, took to the phones answering questions and accepting pledges during the charitable organization's recent three-day radiothon in conjunction with KOOL 99.1 FM. Georgia Federal Credit Union, Duluth, Ga., recently announced the recipients of the 12th Annual Vernon E. Carne Scholarship Competition. The Vernon E. Carne Scholarship is given in honor of a founder of GFCU. A total of $6,000 in scholarships were awarded to 11 outstanding high school seniors. The overall winner of the Vernon E. Carne Scholarship Competition was Lisa Warren. A $1,000 award was given to Warren to aid with educational expenses. Kent Credit Union, Kent, Ohio, recently announced the interim results of its participation in the local Compact ABLE and Portage County ABLE programs (Adult Basic and Literacy Education). The CU's three offices located in Kent, Ravenna and Streetsboro began collecting new and gently-used books from members and staff for these two organizations for the purpose of teaching adults to read and/or enhance their reading proficiency. Kent Credit Union's participation began in April and interim donations have been made of approximately 800 books (200 children's books and 600 adult books) to date. Wauna Federal Credit Union, Clatskanie, Ore., donated $1,000 to the Interagency Narcotics Task Force of Clatsop County. Wauna FCU's CEO Bruce Mallory presented the donation to Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin and thanked him for the presentation he gave to credit union employees on recognizing drug use and the impact it has on the community. The Clatsop County Interagency Narcotics Team pools resources from participating local, state and federal agencies to investigate and stop suspected narcotic trafficking. Educational Employees Credit Union, Fresno, Calif., recently awarded $1,000 education grants to 50 EECU student members. The grants are designed to assist students in reaching their educational goals. The grants were based on career and personal goals, overcoming obstacles, volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities, and other criteria. A dedicated team of EECU employees, officials and member volunteers reviewed 160 grant applications and selected the 50 recipients. The Educational Grant Program was established in 2003 to assist EECU members who are pursuing post-high school education at a community college, university/college, vocational/technical school or advanced professional training in the U.S.