LIVE OAK, Texas (July 3, 2025) — The latest class of RBFCU’s Youth Ambassador Program completed a rigorous educational experience last week to develop and refine their financial services prowess.

Each of the 19 high school students who completed the weeklong program gained critical insights into managing money, avoiding fraud and preparing for financial independence — along with a $1,000 scholarship to help jumpstart their financial journey.

RBFCU EVP/COO Sonya McDonald said the scholarships awarded to each ambassador serve as a first step toward financial independence and success as participants prepare to enter college or the workforce.

“RBFCU is committed to building a strong foundation in financial literacy in every community we serve,” McDonald said. “The Youth Ambassadors Program gives high school students critical skills and tools that prepare them to enter adulthood with confidence.”

Cornerstone Credit Union League, composed of more than 700 credit unions in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas, named RBFCU’s Financial Literacy Team first place in Youth Financial Education in 2024.

“Financial literacy builds stronger individuals, families and communities,” McDonald said. “We are thrilled to offer this ongoing support to ensure our next generation has every tool they need reach their financial goals.”

The RBFCU Youth Ambassador Program, formerly known as the RBFCU Youth Advisory Council, launched during the 2010–2011 school year with a mission to equip students in our community with financial services acumen, along with a host of life and career skills to set them up for success.

Over the past 15 years, 192 students have completed the program, resulting in $97,250 in scholarships. The program is led by the RBFCU Financial Literacy Team's Jennifer Crawford, Michelle Herrera and Sally Hollingsworth.

Youth Ambassadors attended panel discussions with RBFCU employees who shared valuable insights into their educational and career journeys and advice for those who hope to begin a career in financial services.

They also had the opportunity to connect with current and former college interns at RBFCU to ask questions about their college experiences and learn more about their roles at the credit union.

Congratulations to our 2025 RBFCU Youth Ambassadors:

• Aarav Kumar, Westwood High School
• Aditya Rayalwar, Lone Star High School
• Adrianna Anglin, Pieper High School
• Alejandra Gomez de la O, New Braunfels High School
• Ashrith Chinta, Rouse High School
• Avery Johnson, Texas Connections Academy
• Benjamin DeSorbo, Davenport High School
• Brianna Schaeffer, Devine High School
• Cadence Maum, Floresville High School
• Ella Shahinian, Vandegrift High School
• Emalee Denson, Randolph Field High School
• Haley Lopez, San Marcos High School
• Hunter Zella, Shiner St. Paul Catholic School
• Jenna Wogick, Katherine Anne Porter High School
• Marlene Hernandez, Judson Early College High School
• Meleah Chatman, Hightower High School
• Noelle Henderson, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
• Sarahi Puentes, Judson Early College Academy
• Thinphatra Hunsa, Judson Early College Academy