Taylor Holton, a graduating senior at Miami Palmetto Senior High School in Pinecrest, is one of 12 South Florida students sharing $18,000 in scholarships from a new program launched by Dade County Federal Credit Union.

Each recipient received $1,500 through the credit union's inaugural "Scholars Who Serve" Scholarship Program, DCFCU announced Friday. The awards recognize academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and commitment to service among graduating seniors in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Federica Chalumeau, DCFCU's chief experience officer, said the program was created to support young leaders making a difference in their schools and communities. It is the credit union's first scholarship initiative. DCFCU, a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in Miami in 1939, operates 10 branches across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.

All 12 Inaugural Recipients

  • Solomon Campbell, Monsignor Pace High School
  • Alfonso Fernandez, Christopher Columbus High School
  • Briana Pean, Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School
  • Samuel Nicolas, College Academy at Broward College
  • Taylor Holton, Miami Palmetto Senior High School
  • Yannara Aldas, Miami Senior High School
  • D'Myah Beaumont, Coral Reef Senior High School
  • Juanita Gomez, iPreparatory Academy
  • Neily Martinez, Miami Senior High School
  • Mengwai Jim, School for Advanced Studies West
  • Kiara Walden, Booker T. Washington
  • Christina Hamilton, Miami Central Senior High School

How Pinecrest Families Can Apply

The program will reopen for applications in January 2027. Eligibility requirements and application details will be posted at dcfcu.org/scholarships.

Miami Palmetto Senior High, located at 7431 SW 120th St., serves students from Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, West Perrine and Palmetto Estates. Any graduating senior in those communities who meets the program's criteria could be eligible for the next round of awards.

Upcoming Community Dates

  • January 2027: DCFCU "Scholars Who Serve" scholarship applications open at dcfcu.org/scholarships