United Heritage Charity Foundation Awards $10,000 Scholarships to Two Outstanding Texas Students

United Heritage Charity Foundation (UHCF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 H. Ralph Wilburn Memorial Scholarship. This year, two exceptional graduating seniors, Michael “Mikey” Vangeli of Vista Ridge High School and Lauren Smets of Lake Travis High School, have each been awarded a $10,000 scholarship to support their higher education goals.

The scholarship recipients are Michael “Mikey” Vangeli of Vista Ridge High School and Lauren Smets of Lake Travis High School. Both students will attend The University of Texas at Austin this fall, where Michael will pursue a degree in music and Lauren will study business at the McCombs School of Business. Michael earned statewide recognition as a TMEA 6A All-State tuba musician. Lauren distinguished herself through academic excellence, community service, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

"Beyond their impressive academic achievements, both students demonstrated exceptional character, perseverance, and commitment to their communities. Michael balanced work responsibilities while overcoming personal challenges and pursuing his passion for music, while Lauren successfully operated her own bakery business from a young age and dedicated countless hours to volunteer service and mentoring. Their accomplishments reflect the leadership, determination, and community-minded spirit that the H. Ralph Wilburn Memorial Scholarship was created to recognize.

Our scholarship program was created to support students in the community who embody the values of perseverance, leadership, service, and lifelong learning," said Chelsea Schrimpf, Chairman of the United Heritage Charity Foundation Board of Directors. "Mikey and Lauren have each demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their goals while making meaningful contributions to those around them. We are honored to support their educational journeys and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their communities and beyond."

The United Heritage Charity Foundation remains committed to investing in education and helping students achieve their academic and professional aspirations. Through scholarship programs and community initiatives, the Foundation continues to support opportunities that strengthen the communities it serves.

About United Heritage Charity Foundation
The United Heritage Charity Foundation is the philanthropic arm of United Heritage Credit Union, dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening communities. Established to support a wide range of causes, the Foundation focuses on education, military and veteran assistance, family support services, healthcare, animals and pets, and environmental causes. Through strategic donations and community partnerships, the Foundation strives to make a lasting impact in the areas that matter most to its members, employees and the broader community. For more information, visit uhcf.org

About United Heritage Credit Union
United Heritage Credit Union is a full-service financial institution whose vision is “To be your primary financial institution.” United Heritage has over $1.6 billion in assets, more than 82,000 members and 10 branch locations. Through innovative technology, exemplary service standards and competitive products, United Heritage is a strong force in the credit union industry. United Heritage Credit Union was established in 1957 and over 65 years later serves communities within the Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Lee, Milam, Travis, Williamson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt or Wood counties as well as those that live in the rest of Texas through TXCC membership. For more information about United Heritage, visit uhcu.org. Federally Insured by NCUA.