Drexel Hill, PA — The 2025 FMFCU Foundation Celebration lit up the night on April 10 at The Drexelbrook, where over 400 guests gathered for an unforgettable evening filled with excitement, inspiration, and celebration. The event honored the outstanding achievements of students, educators, and community organizations, all while shining a spotlight on FMFCU Foundation’s incredible work in supporting education, innovation, and community service.
“FMFCU Foundation Celebration is always an amazing time to come together and celebrate the inspiring people and organizations making a real difference in our communities,” said Rick Durante, Executive Director of FMFCU Foundation. “It’s a night filled with energy, joy, and the perfect reminder of what we can accomplish when we all work together to create positive change!”
The celebration saw the presentation of over $60,000 in awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence, dedication, and community spirit.
This year’s event was supported by Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, The Wilbur C. and Betty Lea Henderson Foundation, CCRES, Kimberly Clark Chester Operations, RKL, Delaware County Intermediate Unit, and The Daily Times. The evening’s emcees were Katherine Scott of 6ABC “Action News” and FMFCU Vice President Rick Durante.
The event began with the recognition of West Chester Food Cupboard, honored as the 2025 Community Champion for its volunteer-driven efforts to fight hunger in the West Chester area. The organization was presented with $5,000 from FMFCU Foundation to support their work in feeding our neighbors.
One of the highlights of the evening was the acknowledgment of the Delco Hi-Q teams and their faculty advisors. The Hi-Q teams, who participated in the 77th season of the nation’s oldest continuous academic quiz competition, were celebrated for their impressive achievements. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who was pleased to be able to attend the event after returning from Washington, D.C., has attended previous Delco Hi-Q competitions and made brief remarks, telling the audience, “I am impressed and humbled by how much these Hi-Q students know.”
The top three teams—Delaware County Christian School (3rd place, $2,000), Marple Newtown (2nd place, $2,500), and Strath Haven High School (1st place, $3,000)—received recognition for their academic excellence. Strath Haven also took home the prestigious Donna Zerby Trophy and the Henderson Cup, which they will proudly display. Each team was also represented by one student on the All-Delco Hi-Q Team, similar to The Daily Times sports All Delco award.
Six high school seniors also received scholarships. Four students were awarded the John D. Unangst Scholarship, each receiving $4,000 toward their college tuition: Victoria D’Ulisse , Bayard Rustin High School; Matthew Hauser, Technical College High School- Pickering Campus; Leni Verghese, Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School; Cevyn Wiggins, Commonwealth Charter Academy. Brittany Brown from Chester STEM Academy and Ragini Mohan from Penncrest High School were awarded the Bridge to Success Scholarship and the inaugural Delco Hi-Q Scholarship, respectively.
And lastly, the 20 Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Awardees from throughout the Philadelphia region were celebrated for their exceptional contributions in the classroom, with each teacher receiving a $2,000 grant to support educational initiatives. “I am still beyond humbled at [receiving] the Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Award,” said Monica Willans, Fifth Grade Teacher at Radnor Elementary School. “I am using my award funds to benefit my entire 5th grade team.” These awards not only recognize individual achievements but also empower educators to enhance learning opportunities for their students and colleagues.
The annual FMFCU Foundation Celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible individuals and organizations that drive meaningful change in our community. Through scholarships, teaching awards, and ongoing support for local initiatives, the Foundation remains committed to its mission of fostering education and making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
For more information about FMFCU Foundation’s programs and how to get involved, please visit http://fmfcufoundation.org.
