American Eagle Financial Credit Union is proud to announce that Hana Nguyen and Lillyan Perkoski have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 Teresa Knox Taking Flight Scholarship.
Established in honor of Teresa Knox, retired Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors employed by American Eagle Financial Credit Union who demonstrate a commitment to community involvement, personal growth, leadership, and financial education. The scholarship supports recipients as they pursue higher education, trade school, or other career pathways.
Throughout their time at American Eagle, Hana and Lillyan have embodied the values Teresa championed during her distinguished career, including community impact, lifelong learning, and empowering others to achieve their goals.
Hana Nguyen has used her internship experience to promote financial literacy among her peers, build meaningful relationships within the East Hartford community, and volunteer at local events. Her compassion, resilience, and leadership have made a lasting impression on both members and colleagues. This fall, Hana will attend the University of Rhode Island, where she plans to pursue a career as a hospital pharmacist while minoring in finance.
Lillyan Perkoski joined American Eagle at age 16 and has grown into a confident and capable leader. Throughout her tenure, she has taken on increasing responsibilities, including mentoring new team members, conducting audits, and demonstrating a strong commitment to accountability and teamwork. This fall, Lillyan will attend Florida Gulf Coast University, where she will continue pursuing her educational and career goals while working toward long-term financial independence.
American Eagle Financial Credit Union congratulates Hana and Lillyan on this well-deserved achievement and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their communities and beyond.
