Annual Program Recognizes College-Bound Students
Inspired by a Family Legacy of Service
San Diego, CA – August 13, 2026 – Wheelhouse Credit Union (Wheelhouse) is helping five local students take the next step in their education with $1,000 Badge of Honor Scholarships, recognizing the service and dedication of San Diego County first responders and their families.
Now in its seventh year, the Badge of Honor program supports college-bound students whose parent(s), grandparent(s) or legal guardian(s) actively serves in law enforcement, fire protection, healthcare or emergency medical services in San Diego County.
“Every year, we’re reminded of the sacrifices first responder families make, often quietly and behind the scenes,” said Wheelhouse President/CEO Lisa Paul-Hill. “This year’s recipients have grown up watching a parent or grandparent answer the call, and it shows in who they’ve become — driven, grounded and ready to make their own mark. Helping send them off to college is one of the most rewarding things we get to do as a credit union, and it’s our way of saying thank you to the families who give so much to keep San Diego safe.”
The Wheelhouse 2026 Badge of Honor Scholarship recipients are:
| Recipient | School | City | College Attending | Family First Responder |
| Nadia Gibbs | El Camino High School | Oceanside | San Diego State University | Occupational Therapist |
| Lila Hand | Carlsbad High School | Carlsbad | Mira Costa College | Police Officer, City of Escondido |
| Sydney Harris | Poway High School | Poway | Creighton University | Physical Therapist, Rady Children’s Hospital |
| Kyra Imperial | Chula Vista High School | Chula Vista | San Diego State University | Operating Room Registered Nurse |
| Avery Wahl | Cathedral Catholic High School | San Diego | University of Mississippi | San Diego Police Department |
Each recipient recently graduated from a San Diego County high school and plans to attend an accredited college. Students were selected based on academic achievement, letters of recommendation, an essay describing the influence of the first responder in their family, and their commitment to making a positive impact at school and in the community.
The Badge of Honor Scholarships complement Wheelhouse’s annual Sustainability College Scholarship Program, established in 2005 to support graduating high school seniors in San Diego County. Together, the programs reflect the Credit Union’s longstanding commitment to helping local students pursue higher education. Since the programs began, Wheelhouse has awarded $147,000 in scholarships to San Diego County students.
About Wheelhouse Credit Union
Wheelhouse Credit Union (formerly San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union) is a federally insured, state-chartered credit union founded in 1934 serving more than 32,000 community members in the greater San Diego area and beyond. The full-service financial institution is dedicated to excellence in personalized banking services which extends to solar and energy-efficient loans, the best checking account features in the industry, and expert guidance and support. The Credit Union is committed to creating a community where financial and environmental well-being go hand in hand. Please visit wheelhousecu.com for more information, or follow Wheelhouse on Instagram® or Facebook®.
