BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — ēCO Credit Union and the ēCO Credit Union Foundation are committed to supporting educational initiatives. In May, ēCO Credit Union proudly awarded two A.L. Bratcher Scholarships, each valued at $2,500. The ēCO Credit Union Foundation additionally provided one scholarship of $2,500 to promote educational opportunities further.
Since 2011, the A.L. Bratcher Scholarship has been proudly awarded to exceptional high school seniors, recognizing their achievements and potential. The 2025-2026 A.L. Bratcher Scholarship recipients are Micah McKerley and Raina Valliani. McKerley is a brilliant senior at Thompson High School, maintaining an impressive 4.6 GPA. Micah has served in several clubs and currently participates in four. He has extensive volunteer experience and leadership roles through his church and various honor societies. Micah plans to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Raina Valliani is a remarkable senior who will be graduating from Spain Park High School with an impressive 4.45 GPA. Raina started her own business during the pandemic and continues to manage it successfully. Alongside her entrepreneurial efforts, she has participated in various extracurricular activities, including Key Club. Over the past two years, she has won 1st place in DECA, which advanced her to international competitions. Raina plans to attend the University of Georgia and pursue an International Business and Economics degree. She eventually plans to pursue a career path in international consulting.
Established in 2017, the ēCO Credit Union Foundation Scholarship is intended to support adults who are seeking to return to school, whether to pursue a new career path or to enhance their professional skills. Jamie Haley, this year’s ēCO Credit Union Foundation Scholarship recipient, decided to return to school to pursue her Education Specialist in School Counseling. After 18 years as a school counselor, Ms. Haley is eager to mentor new counselors and enhance her trauma-informed strategies to support her students better. When a student told Ms. Haley that she was "the only one who has ever believed in me," Ms. Haley realized the significance of modeling for her students that learning is a continuous process and that growth is a lifelong journey.
“Year after year, we are consistently impressed by the exceptional quality of applications for the A.L. Bratcher and ēCO Credit Union Foundation scholarships,” said ēCO Credit Union CEO Joey Hand. “We receive an increasing number of applications each year, and it brings us great joy to support the educational journeys of three of our members, helping them create a brighter future for themselves and our community.”
Applications for the 2026-2027 scholarship cycle will be available in December.