Hi-res photo and video can be found here

LAS VEGAS (June 22, 2023) – Credit One Bank debuted their latest community initiative, the One For the Community Scholarship, an all-new scholarship for college-bound high school seniors from low-to-moderate income families pursuing higher education in Nevada. 11 Las Vegas students were awarded an initial $2,500, and can renew the scholarship for an additional three years, earning up to $10,000 for school assistance.

Credit One Bank partnered with the Public Education Foundation (PEF) to fund and award the new scholarship. Since 1995, PEF has supported local students pursuing their college and career dreams through the Scholarships Plus Program. The nonprofit partners with more than 300 organizations and individuals throughout Nevada to award more than 900 scholarships each year.

“This scholarship is the result of many deeply passionate people working together to give back to our community in a meaningful way,” said Lenny Chide, Senior Vice President of Corporate Functions at Credit One Bank. “Hearing these students’ stories of perseverance, dedication and commitment was truly inspiring, and I am thrilled to be able to assist them in their higher education journey.”

The students were recognized at a reception on Wednesday, May 31 at Credit One Bank headquarters. More about each of the 11 scholarship recipients can be found below:

• Melanie Alveno – Caro
  • Melanie graduated from Valley High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, where she served as the Executive Vice President for her school’s DECA club, volunteered with numerous organizations and assisted children with math, english, and writing homework. She will be attending UNLV in the fall to continue her passion for hospitality and tourism with the hope of becoming an event coordinator.
• Daniel Anguiano
  • A graduate from Durango High School, Daniel participated in an array of clubs and activities including Key Club, the Hispanic Latino Union, and the National Honor Society. He will be attending UNLV this fall as a business major to pursue a career in real estate and home renovation with the goal of being able to give back to youth in his community after graduating.
• Isabel Baca
  • A recent graduate from Durango High School, Isabel was the JROTC Service Squadron Commander, the Unarmed Drill Team Superintendent, and the Cadet of the Quarter multiple times. She also volunteered at a number of local organizations including Red Rock Lodge, the Greek Food Festival, and PBS. She will be attending UNLV in the fall to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
• Charisse Dael Cubangbang
  • Charisse graduated from East Career and Technical Academy, and was a proud member of her school’s National Honor Society and Asian Student Union, and held numerous leadership positions including Historian of the American Red Cross Club, Secretary of Choir Club, and Vice President of Key Club. Charisse will be attending Nevada State College this fall to study nursing.
• Tselot Fetene
  • Immigrating from Ethiopia when she was nine-years-old, Tselot is fluent in both English and Amharic and participated in her school’s IB council, Key Club, and Black Student Union. She graduated from Spring Valley High School and will be attending UNR in the fall to study computer science.
• Taylor Hall
  • Taylor graduated from Desert Oasis High School, where she was the school’s captain for the Girl’s Cross Country Team, an active member of student council for her entire high school career, and logged over 150 hours of community service with her church. This fall, Taylor will be attending UNR to study public health.
• Derek Kwon
  • A recent graduate from Ed W. Clark High School, Derek participated in an array of extra-curricular activities, including joining the HOSA Future Health Professionals, participating in Key Club, National Honor Society, and serving as captain of the Vex Robotics Team. Derek will be attending UNLV in the fall to pursue a career as a doctor.
• Artaya Liggins
  • Artaya graduated from Mojave High School where she served as Parliamentarian for the school’s National Honor Society and volunteered for a variety of events and organizations. Known for her love of learning, she will be attending UNLV this fall to pursue a degree in accounting.
• Sam Sanchez
  • A graduate from Sierra Vista High School, Sam was not only a section leader in the Sierra Vista Orchestra, but also participated in Key Club and the Tennis Team. Sam will be attending UNR this fall to pursue a degree in criminal justice, and is excited to go somewhere new outside of Las Vegas.
• Kandy Valencia Mejia
  • Kandy graduated from Valley High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, where she served as the Student Body’s first Vice President, Vice President of the DECA Club, Student Body Historian, Key Club Spirit Coordinator, and actively volunteered with numerous organizations. She will be attending UNLV in the fall to study psychology to help individuals deal with childhood trauma.
• Jose Vasquez
  • A recent graduate from Rancho High School, Jose was a member of the school’s cross country team and served as Treasurer of the Key Club. He received the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award and was designated a Questbridge College Prep Scholar. He will be attending UNR in the fall to study mechanical engineering.

“It has been a privilege to partner with Credit One Bank to help our students achieve their goals through this outstanding new scholarship,” said Kirsten Searer, President of the Public Education Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of community leaders like Credit One Bank, who are committed to helping students thrive and providing them opportunities for the future.”

About the Public Education Foundation

The Public Education Foundation (PEF) unites the community to inspire support of our public schools. In partnership with the Clark County School District (CCSD), PEF helps guide effective investments in education to meet the immediate, critical needs of our students, families, and educators. For more information about PEF, please visit thepef.org. Follow us on Facebook @ThePublicEducationFoundation and Twitter @ThePEFtoday.