Maine Family Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of its annual scholarship program, recognizing outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. After carefully considering a large field of qualified candidates, the credit union awarded three scholarships to local students who have demonstrated exceptional promise and dedication to their academic pursuits.
The scholarship recipients for 2026 are:
The Founders Scholarship
Sawyer Rooney, Maranacook High School, Class of 2026
A nationally recognized student, Sawyer is a National Merit Scholar Finalist and has earned numerous academic honors in STEM and the humanities, including first place in the Maine State National History Day competition and selection for the highly competitive Maine Space Consortium MERITS research internship. Sawyer plans to attend Carnegie Mellon University in fall 2026, where he plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
Beyond academics, Sawyer is deeply committed to service and leadership. He has held multiple student government leadership roles, serves as a mentor for middle school students, volunteers in local historic preservation efforts, and participates in initiatives that promote civic engagement and respectful dialogue. Sawyer is driven by a passion for using science, technology, and creativity to solve real‑world problems and serve his community.
The Maurice Fontaine, Sr. Scholarship
Savannah Connor-Schade, University of Maine Orono, Class of 2028
Savannah is a biomedical engineering student at the University of Maine, where she is pursuing a degree focused on improving healthcare outcomes through research and innovation. A Lewiston native, Savannah balances a rigorous full‑time course load with multiple jobs while remaining deeply committed to service, leadership, and academic excellence. She currently works as a Behavioral Health Professional, providing academic and personal support to youth and families, and serves as the Biomedical Engineering Representative and Secretary for the Maine College of Engineering and Computing Student Advisory Board.
Recognized for her strong work ethic, compassion, and leadership, Savannah is driven to pursue a career in biomedical engineering where she can contribute to medical research and innovations that make healthcare more effective and accessible. She credits her motivation to her family’s support and her desire to create new opportunities through education and service.
The Roger Bissonnette Scholarship
Nicholas Mellen, Leavitt Area High School, Class of 2026
Throughout his high school career, Nicholas built a strong foundation through academics, athletics, and hands‑on technical training. Nicholas plans to attend Central Maine Community College in fall 2026 to pursue a degree in Plumbing and Heating Technology, continuing a career path rooted in skill, service, and craftsmanship.
Nicholas has spent the past two years enrolled in the Plumbing and Heating program at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center, where instructors describe him as dedicated, dependable, and highly skilled with strong mechanical aptitude. He complements his technical training with real‑world experience, working alongside his father in the plumbing and heating trade while also holding part‑time employment.
A four‑year member of Leavitt’s football program and senior captain, Nicholas is also a multi‑sport athlete in baseball and basketball and a long‑time volunteer with youth sports camps and school fundraising efforts. Known for his work ethic, leadership, and resilience, Nicholas is committed to building a career in the trades and giving back to the community that helped shape him.
