LOCAL CREDIT UNION MAKES $7,500 COMMITMENT
TO INITIATE NEW WEST SPRINGFIELD
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC FUND
It will be easier for students at West Springfield High School to play sports regardless of their family's financial situation because of a new athletic fund established at the school with a $7,500 commitment from the West Springfield Federal Credit Union.

The new fund will help pay for or offset current student user fees in various sports and will be available to help students whose financial hardships make paying the user fees difficult.

The Credit Union has committed $7,500 to the fund over a three-year period, notes Thomas McNulty Jr., president of the West Springfield Federal Credit Union and principal of the West Springfield Middle School. This makes the Credit Union the first business in town to develop such a partnership with the high school, and it is hoped other local businesses will also become involved in this worthwhile effort.

The establishment of the athletic fund and the Credit Union’s multi-year commitment to it was the result of discussions between McNulty and Peter Dufresne, principal of West Springfield High School, about the difficulties the schools have encountered with the lack of funding, increased costs, and today’s difficult economy. As a result, "our credit union takes great pride in supporting community endeavors, and this is just another example of how we can help and we are pleased to do this", McNulty said.

The fund will be administered by the high school principal and two teachers and coaches. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and it is expected the first awards will be made in September. Those receiving the awards will be required to perform some community service with the school to establish the principle of giving back to the community.

The high school is greatly appreciative of the West Springfield Federal Credit Union's commitment to this project. "We want to sincerely thank the credit union and Tom for their leadership in taking the initiative to invest in our students", Dufresne added.

Other businesses interested in contributing to this athletic fund should contact Peter Dufresne at 263-3400 or e-mail him at dufresne@wsps.org.

The West Springfield Federal Credit Union, formerly known as West Springfield Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, is celebrating its 50th year in business. The member-owned credit union has over 3,500 members and offers financial services and products such as on-line banking and bill pay, direct deposit, ATM/debit/credit cards, mortgage, car, home equity and personal loans among others.

President Thomas McNulty Jr., right, and Vice President Susan LaFlamme of the West Springfield Federal Credit Union present a $2,500 ceremonial check to West Springfield High School Principal Peter Dufresne. The check represents the first of three payments to establish an athletic fund at the high school to help students with financial hardships pay for or offset sports user fees.