ALEC bright future scholarship winners
A round of applause for the winners of the 2025 ALEC Bright Future Scholarship Program.
In continuing our tradition of honoring academic excellence, ALEC is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s academic scholarships.
All of our winning students were awarded a $2,000 scholarship to help with their college expenses.
Sydney Wright
High School: Zion-Benton Township High School, Zion, IL
College: Rochester Institute of Technology
Major: Print and Graphic Media Technology
Grade Level: Senior in High School
Goal: “I’m pursuing a Print + Graphic Media Technology degree to be the bridge between digital art and physical media, understanding all aspects including estimating, machinery, and production process. Ten years post-graduation, my goal is to be in leadership as a Print Production Manager where I can use my dynamic experience to empower a successful team.”
George Hollenstein
High School: Grayslake Central High School, Grayslake, IL
College: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Major: Electrical Engineering
Grade Level: Senior in High School
Goal: “It is my aspiration to become an electrical engineer and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By working to advance electronics in applications for medicine, wellness, and transportation, I will be fulfilling my dream to leave a positive mark on the world through innovation."
Suhani Shah
High School: Wayzata High School, Plymouth, MN
College: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Major: Global Health, Pre-Med
Grade Level: Senior in High School
Goal: “I want to understand how healthcare systems operate across different communities, and how social, economic, and environmental factors influence health beyond biology. Having a broader perspective will help me become a more empathetic and informed medical provider to my patients.”
Mitchell Ross
High School: Grayslake Central High School, Grayslake, IL
College: Duke University
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grade Level: Senior in High School
Goal: “I plan to use this opportunity to learn as much as possible about inclusive engineering design by studying electrical and computer engineering and completing a unique minor in inequality studies. I’m interested in creating new technologies that will limit environmental impact and increase access to clean energy options for everyone."
Andrew Rohde
High School: Catholic Central High School, Steubenville, OH
College: Ohio State University-Columbus
Major: Biochemistry-Pre-Health
Grade Level: Senior in High School
Goal: “I’m getting a head start on my medical career as an EMT and lab researcher before freshman year. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to neglected areas of medicine, using my skills to help and inspire others. I am committed to pursuing my healthcare journey while remaining grounded in my faith, family, friends, and service values."
In recognition of their accomplishments, we extend our congratulations to these exemplary scholars who proved their merits in and out of the classroom.
Each of the Bright Future Scholarship applicants were considered for academic performance, as well as demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities. Work experience and unusual personal or family circumstances were also factored in.
“We developed the Bright Future Scholarship Program in 2016 as an extension of the credit union’s sincere commitment to serve our members with resources for their financial well-being, including opportunities for higher education,” according to Joseph Trosclair, ALEC president and CEO.
“More than just a scholarship, ALEC is proud to invest in the leaders of tomorrow and the bright future we are all working to build.”
Know a deserving student or students? Please make sure to tell them to become a member by visiting alecu.org or any ALEC Branch. Check back for details next spring regarding the 2026 ALEC Bright Future Scholarship Program!
