2026 Richard E. Baumunk Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Olivia Beaver

Celebrating Olivia

Olivia is an exceptional student who graduated with straight A’s throughout all four years of high school and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. Olivia is continuing her education at Houghton University in western New York, where she is pursuing a double major in Exercise Science and Equestrian Studies, along with a therapeutic riding certification.

Her long-term goal is to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and build a career helping others through physical therapy and therapeutic riding.

But Olivia’s accomplishments extend well beyond the classroom. She has a passion for working with children, horseback riding, volunteering at her local stable and church, and spending time in the kitchen cooking. Her dedication to academics, her community, and helping others makes her an especially deserving recipient of this year’s scholarship. We had great time celebrating Olivia and presenting her with her scholarship check at Meritus Park, surrounded by the excitement of a Hagerstown Flying Boxcars game.

Continuing a Legacy of Education

The Richard E. Baumunk Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Richard E. Baumunk, one of Patriot’s original board members. Richard was a genuine believer in higher education, and through this scholarship, his commitment to education continues to make an impact on students in our community.

For 2026, Patriot partnered with the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars to offer students another opportunity to qualify for the scholarship through participation in High School Nights at Meritus Park.

Students could qualify by being a Patriot member with at least $5 in their share savings account or, through the partnership with the Flying Boxcars, by attending at least three of the four designated High School Nights. Applicants also needed to be an upcoming high school graduate with a minimum 2.5 GPA, be accepted as a full-time student at an institution of higher learning, and submit an essay addressing how they would attract young adults ages 18–30 to a credit union and meet their financial needs.

As Olivia begins this exciting next chapter, we are proud to support her continued pursuit of higher education and her passion for helping others. We are grateful for the opportunity to carry on Richard E. Baumunk’s legacy by investing in students like Olivia and supporting their dreams for the future. Congratulations, Olivia!