Centricity Credit Union Foundation

The Dick Veech Scholarship is awarded to a Hermantown High School senior athlete who participated in at least one varsity sport, met eligibility requirements, is a conscientious student in the classroom, and active in their community.

Dick Veech was the youngest of five children who grew up living in a Jackson Project home, right alongside the Hermantown School. He attended Hermantown School K-12. Dick Veech was a conscientious student, wonderful classmate in the class of 1953, and was a very talented athlete. Some say that Dick was one of the best basketball players ever in 73 years of Hawks hoops to wear the blue and gold. He went on to U.M.D to become a geography and physical education teacher, and played basketball for the bulldogs all four years as “mighty mite” guard. He cared deeply for his family, his students, his athletes, his friends, and his community. He freely showed his emotions, spoke his mind on current issues, enjoyed a hearty meal, liked good conversation, attended hundreds of Hermantown Hawks’ sporting events, and was a true friend to many.

This scholarship was established in memory of long-time Hermantown teacher and coach Dick Veech by the Centricity Credit Union Foundation for $1500.

Please contact Pam Pilon at PPilon@isd700.org regarding the scholarship or to send in your application.

Who’s eligible?

The Centricity Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Program is available to all Centricity Credit Union and Proctor Credit Union members in good standing.

Who qualifies?

Any individual planning to pursue or continue post-secondary education by attending a college or university, graduate school, or a 2-to-4-year community, vocational or technical college in fall 2026 is eligible.

All eligible schools must be accredited by the U. S. Department of Education.

Types of Scholarships:

• Traditional Scholarship: For High School seniors entering their first year of post-secondary education.

• Non-Traditional Scholarship: For those currently attending post-secondary education, returning to school, or in graduate school.

• Proctor Area Scholarship: For students of Proctor High School.

• Trade School Scholarship: For students planning to attend a trade school.

How many scholarships are being given out and what are the dollar amounts?

The Centricity Credit Union Foundation will award 5 scholarships totaling $7500 in 2026:

• 1 Traditional Scholarship: $1500.00

• 1 Non-Traditional Scholarship: $1500.00

• 1 Proctor Area Scholarship: $1500.00

• 1 Trade School Scholarship: $1500.00

What is the application time frame?

Application period: Applications are currently open until March 31st, 2026

Scholarship recipients will be notified mid April, 2026

How to apply?

To apply, complete an online or paper one-page application form and 500 words or less essay answering the following question: “Explain how financial literacy can improve your wellbeing”.

Mail: Centricity Credit Union Foundation, 4477 LaVaque Road, Hermantown MN, 55811

Online: Online Application

Email: dralston@centricity.org

Essays must be typed. Handwritten essays will not be considered.

Transcripts and letters of recommendation will not be considered. Application materials will not be returned and become the property of Centricity Credit Union Foundation.

Applications must be completed and postmarked or submitted electronically by midnight on March 31, 2026.

Disbursement of Funds & Accountability

Must be redeemed from Centricity Credit Union Foundation by March 31, 2027.

Winners must provide an acceptance letter or proof of attendance.

A check will be written out the student and attending school.