Langley FCU Announces 2023 Jean M. Yokum Scholarship Winners

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – (June 21, 2023) – Six deserving college-bound members of Langley Federal Credit Union will receive Jean M. Yokum College Scholarships, named after the credit union’s former president and CEO.

Langley Federal Credit Union awards the $5,000 scholarships each spring to support our younger students as they pursue further education.

Recipients showcase academic excellence and community involvement. The Peninsula Community Foundation manages the program and coordinates decisions about the scholarships with a committee of community leaders volunteering their time.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Justin Babillino, who will attend Purdue University after graduating from York High School and New Horizons Governor’s School for Science and Technology. He has volunteered at CNU Stem Day, the Langley Air Show, and has also volunteered with VCU OT doctoral students to design and implement hand controls for toys for children with impaired mobility. Justin plans to pursue an electrical engineering degree with applied math and computer science minors in hopes of tackling the world’s most pressing engineering problems.
• Karina Long, who will attend University of Mary Washington after graduating from Jamestown High School. She has served as a junior volunteer at Sentara Hospital where she assisted nurses in the Cardiovascular unit and has also volunteered at CHKD assisting physical therapists in helping children with disabilities and injuries. She has also served in officer positions in several Jamestown High School Clubs including the Kiwanis Key Club and Spanish Club. Karina is looking to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science in hopes of ultimately going to PT School to become a pediatric physical therapist.
• Gabriel McLendon, who will attend George Mason University this fall after graduating from Landstown High School in Virginia Beach. Gabriel volunteered for several programs as an instructor and troop leader for Boy Scouts of America, and has volunteered at key community events including American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Gabriel plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and enroll in the Air Force ROTC with the ultimate goal to become an astronaut.
• Frederic Ramirez-Melenciano, who is attending the University of Virginia after graduating from Phoebus High School in Hampton. Frederic was a student in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VAST) program and attended ODU’s Private Pilot Ground School Summer Program to receive the certification to take the Federal Aviation Administration pilot exam. Frederic has completed service projects as a member of Project Alpha through First Baptist Church and served as a Riverside Regional Medical Center summer volunteer. Frederic plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering to become an aerospace engineer.
• Hailey Swartzbaugh, who graduated from Poquoson High School, will attend Randolph-Macon College. She has volunteered with Emmaus Baptist Church and Poquoson Parks and Recreation and served as the co-captain of Poquoson High School’s Varsity Field Hockey team, leading the team to state and regional championships. Hailey will pursue a bachelor’s of science in engineering and astrophysics and will be a member of the field hockey team as well. Her goal is to earn her master’s degree in aerospace engineering to ultimately help further the space industry’s journey to deep space.
• Tyrah Weems, who will be attending Morgan State University after recently graduating from Poquoson High School. Tyrah volunteered with 4 Paws Animal Rescue and Riverside Regional Medical Center; was a member of Mu Alpha Theta-Math Honor Society and Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society; and competed on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams. She also served as president of the Poquoson High School Key Club. Tyrah plans to obtain a bachelor of science degree in biology with the long term goal of pursing a medical career.

Langley Federal Credit Union has a long history of community involvement and charitable giving dating back to the founding of the credit union in the 1930’s. With a commitment to making a difference in the communities it serves, Langley for Families Foundation was launched in 2014 to support causes and charities benefiting children and families.

Langley Federal Credit Union is a federally-chartered credit union, regulated and insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Langley Federal Credit Union serves more than 360,000 members and has over $5 billion in assets, ranking the financial cooperative as one of the 100 largest credit unions in the country. Langley is a full-service financial institution where everyone can save, borrow, and spend wisely. Located in Hampton Roads, Langley has over 750 employees, 21 branches and more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs throughout the region. For more information, visit www.langleyfcu.org.