TAPCO Credit Union's Richard Stirgus Honored for Advancing Financial Literacy and Community Partnerships Across Pierce County

When communities invest in students, everyone benefits.

That belief has guided Richard Stirgus, Vice President of Community Relations at TAPCO Credit Union, throughout his work with local schools, educators, and students across Pierce County. In recognition of those efforts, Richard recently received two prestigious honors from local education leaders, highlighting the impact of financial literacy and community partnership on student success.

Richard was recognized with the Region 111 Community Leadership Award from the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), an honor presented annually to individuals and organizations outside the education profession who demonstrate exceptional leadership and support for local K-12 schools.

Richard was nominated by Amanda Scott-Thomas, Director of Community Partnerships for Tacoma Public Schools and the district’s designated Region 111 representative. She selected Richard in recognition of his long-standing commitment to financial literacy, student success, strong collaboration with Tacoma Public Schools, and ongoing service to the community.

He was also named a recipient of the Franklin Pierce Schools Partner in Education Award, which celebrates individuals and organizations making significant contributions to students, schools, and the broader community.

These awards reflect years of collaboration between TAPCO Credit Union and local school districts to provide students with practical financial education and real-world experiences that help prepare them for the future.

Bringing Financial Education to Life

Financial literacy is about more than understanding money. It is about helping young people build confidence, make informed decisions, and create opportunities for themselves and their families.

Through TAPCO's partnerships with local schools, Richard has worked directly with students to teach budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, banking fundamentals, and financial goal setting. Interactive classroom experiences help students apply concepts in realistic situations, making financial education engaging and accessible.

Programs include account simulations, vehicle financing exercises, savings initiatives, and discussions about the financial decisions students will face as they transition into adulthood.

Stronger Communities Through Partnership

The recognition Richard received also highlights the importance of authentic community partnerships.

By collaborating with Tacoma Public Schools, Franklin Pierce Schools, educators, families, and community organizations, TAPCO helps connect students with resources and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

Why Community Impact Matters

At TAPCO Credit Union, community involvement is not separate from our mission. It's central to it.

For more than 90 years, TAPCO has invested in financial education, volunteerism, local partnerships, and programs that strengthen Pierce County communities. These efforts reflect our commitment to bringing humanity to financial services by supporting people at every stage of life.

That commitment is one reason TAPCO was recently recognized as America's Best Credit Union for the second consecutive year.

While awards are appreciated, the true measure of success is the positive impact made in the lives of members, students, families, and communities.

Richard's recognition serves as a reminder that when financial institutions invest in people, education, and community relationships, everyone benefits.

We congratulate Richard on this well-deserved honor and thank Tacoma Public Schools and Franklin Pierce Schools for their continued partnership in supporting students throughout our community.

Together, we remain committed to creating opportunities, strengthening financial wellness, and investing in the future leaders of Pierce County.