TruMark Financial Credit Union recently honored six local high school students during its annual Difference Makers Scholarship Breakfast, awarding them more than $14,000 in scholarships.

The event highlighted the impact young people are making across the region through volunteerism, advocacy, and creative community solutions. Each student was recognized for leading or contributing to a meaningful service project with a nonprofit or grassroots organization.

The 2025 recipients of the Difference Makers Scholarship are:

• First Place ($7,500) — Jyotirmai Kadiyala, Pennsbury School District/STEM Academy: Kadiyala created “Pat on the Back,” a therapeutic, silicone hand model designed to provide comfort during depressive episodes and promote mental health awareness. She presented the project at more than 10 expos, using it to inspire others and showcase the importance of mental health and how STEM can be a force for social impact.
• Second Place ($4,000) — Devlyn Faber, Central Bucks School District: Faber’s work with the For the Love of Grace Foundation began in sixth grade after a neighborhood child’s battle with a brain tumor. She’s organized school fundraisers and continues her work with the foundation today, helping to organize various events.
• Third Place ($3,000) — Cole Marozsan, Neshaminy High School: Marozsan became involved with The Breathing Room Foundation through the National Honor Society and was drawn to its mission of ensuring no one faces cancer alone. His experience drove home the importance of personalized giving and reminded him that even small acts of kindness can impact someone’s life in ways that can’t be measured.
• Honorable Mention ($350) — Meadow Brooks, Merion Mercy Academy: Brooks partnered with Coco Life to address racial disparities in maternal health and infant mortality affecting Black women. Her capstone project raised awareness and advocated for improved outcomes and access to care, using research and community education to drive change.
• Honorable Mention ($350) — Daniel Hillman, Centennial School District: Hillman began volunteering with St. Francis Inn through a church service project and continued supporting the organization after seeing how something as simple as a hot meal could bring comfort and dignity to people experiencing homelessness.
• Honorable Mention ($350) — Jenna McFarland, Pope John Paul II High School: Inspired by a family member’s cancer battle, McFarland joined Leukemia Together and gradually took on more responsibility, eventually becoming the organization’s lead Social Media Manager. Her work has helped amplify the group’s message and provide visibility to those affected by blood cancer.

“What impresses me most about these future leaders is their deep commitment to making a difference in their communities, driven not only by their talents, but also by their passion,” said Kelly Botti, CEO of TruMark Financial. “We are proud to support them on their journey and honored to be their lifelong financial partner.”

After breakfast, the students were recognized in a simple, heartfelt program that shared their stories and celebrated their work. The morning ended with photos and the presentation of ceremonial checks, surrounded by proud families and supporters.

Each nonprofit supported by the winning students also received a $350 donation, extending the impact of the scholarship program by investing directly in the organization driving change.

Learn more about the Difference Makers Scholarship at TruMark Financial Credit Union.