Folsom, Calif. – (February 10, 2023) – Reinforcing its commitment to support education, SAFE Credit Union provided $17,650 to this year’s Sacramento County and Placer County academic decathlons through scholarships and additional contributions.
Eighty-five top scoring 2023 Sacramento County and Placer County academic decathletes received scholarships between $50 and $400.
Winners from the Saturday, Feb. 4 decathlon, hosted by the Sacramento County Office of Education at Folsom High School, were announced this week.
“Congratulations to the remarkable participants and winners,” says SAFE Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer Faye Nabhani. “We are honored to support the students and these programs reinforcing the importance of supporting education to help build strong communities. We know a solid education can launch young people into a future of fulfilling careers and financial freedom.”
SAFE Credit Union Board Chair Terry Tremelling, SAFE Credit Union President/CEO Faye Nabhani, and Sacramento County Office of Education Superintendent David Gordon showcase the Sacramento Academic Decathlon winning poster artwork. Photo: David Soto
Folsom High School, from the Folsom Cordova School District, won this year’s Sacramento Office of Education’s Academic Decathlon for the second year in a row with a score of38,972.70 among a field of 11 teams.
In a three-peat, Rocklin High School, from the Rocklin Unified School District, won this year’s Placer County Office of Education’s Academic Decathlon, scoring 30,396.40 points with three teams competing.
Both teams advance to compete in next month’s statewide California Academic Decathlon where the winning team moves on to the national competition. With a high school score of 36,212.70, Bella Vista High School from the San Juan Unified School will also be allowed to compete in the state competition.
SAFE awarded $15,000 total to the Sacramento County Office of Education Decathlon and its top-scorers. Fifteen $100 scholarships were awarded to Sacramento’s top scoring team members. Eight $400 scholarships were awarded to members of the first-place team; nine $200 scholarships were awarded to members of the second-place team; and eight $100 scholarships were awarded to members of the third-place team. Remaining funds were used to help associated costs for the awards event.
“In joint celebration of this year’s decathletes, we are grateful to have SAFE Credit Union as our Academic Decathlon sponsor,” says Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools Dave Gordon. “Generosity like this proves what a great commitment SAFE continues making to our young people and to our community. Together, we breathe life into the belief that education empowers and that supporting students early furthers their education and enables them to leap forward full of purpose and passion.”
The 2023 Sacramento County Office of Education Academic Decathlon first-place team from Folsom High School attend this year's awards dinner sponsored by SAFE Credit Union. Photo: David Soto
SAFE supported Placer County Office of Education students who participated in Saturday’s competition with $2,650 in scholarships, including scholarships for the 10 members of the winning team and 35 gold medalists.
“We are grateful to SAFE Credit Union for their investment in academic success and student achievement through support of the Academic Decathlon Program,” says Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica.
Members of the 2023 Placer County Academic Decathlon first-place team from Rocklin High School are recognized for their achievement with SAFE Credit Union Community Impact Manager Amanda Merz (Far right). Photo courtesy of the Placer County Office of Education.
One hundred and seventy-seven students competed in this year’s decathlon which had the theme “The American Revolution and the New Nation.” In addition to mastering the extensive academic content, students learned about teamwork, goal setting, planning and leadership.
Along with Nabhani, SAFE’s Board Chair Terry Tremelling attended the Sacramento County Office of Education Academic Decathlon’s awards ceremony Wednesday night to present scholarships and awards. In addition, SAFE Credit Union employees volunteered to serve as decathlon judges for the student interview and speech competitions.
About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern California with over $4.5 billion in assets and about 247,000 members. SAFE crafts every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person care for members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region and a mortgage lending office serving Contra Costa and Alameda counties. SAFE is a not-for-profit, state-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org