Piedmont Federal Bank awards Making A Difference Scholarships
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., (April 28, 2026) — Piedmont Federal Bank this week announced the recipients of its 2026 Making A Difference Scholarship, awarding two outstanding high school seniors with $1,000 each in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to serving their communities.
The two winners were Madyson York of Thomasville and Cora Smith of Boone.
York, a graduate of East Davidson High School, will attend Liberty University to study business administration and management.
Smith, a graduate of Watauga High School will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she plans to study communications and public relations.
The Piedmont Federal Bank Making A Difference Scholarship supports highachieving high school seniors who plan to attend a private or public college or university. The program reflects the bank’s longstanding belief that helping students pursue higher education is essential to strengthening local communities.
Scholarship applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, writing ability, leadership, character, citizenship, and involvement in school and community activities.
Applicants were reviewed by the Piedmont Federal Bank Scholarship Selection Committee, which assessed each student’s academic record, writing samples, and involvement in school and community activities.
For over 120 years, Piedmont Federal Bank has been committed to its purpose of “Opening Doors” for its clients. The bank supports individuals in achieving significant milestones, from homeownership to growing local businesses. As one of the few remaining mutual banks in North Carolina, Piedmont Federal Bank is owned by its depositors, not shareholders, allowing the bank to prioritize the interests of its clients.
Piedmont Federal Bank currently serves nearly 18,000 consumer and business clients and manages $1.3 billion in assets. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, the bank operates 11 branch locations across the Triad, North Wilkesboro, Boone, and Wake Forest, offering a range of personal and business banking solutions. For more information, visit PiedmontFederal.bank.