More Than a Scholarship: Lone Star College Essay Winners Inspire with Stories of Perseverance
For many students, college is more than a classroom. It's a turning point.
That truth came to life at the Lone Star College Foundation’s annual donor luncheon on January 27, where sixteen students from across the Lone Star College System stood out—not for grades or resumes, but for their stories.
Each was named a winner of the Chancellor’s Essay Contest, earning a $1,000 scholarship and the chance to share how their time at Lone Star College has transformed their lives. And in a room full of donors, faculty, and supporters, their words did more than inspire—they reminded everyone why community matters.
"These essays highlight the powerful stories of students determined to improve their lives through education despite the obstacles they face,” said LSCS Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, J.D.
The contest prompt was simple: “How has my Lone Star College experience influenced my life?” But the answers were anything but ordinary.
A mother returned to school to finally pursue a career she had postponed for years. An immigrant student found belonging in a new country. A former student came back to finish what he once started. Many spoke of financial uncertainty, self-doubt, and hard-earned resilience—but also of the professors who believed in them, classmates who supported them, and the campus community that made them feel seen.
Jonathan Nguyen, a student at LSC-Kingwood, captured the spirit of the event in his own words: “Choosing Lone Star College System was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has given me confidence, independence and a strong community. My experience at LSCS hasn’t just influenced my life; it’s shaped the person I am becoming.”
Each of the eight LSC campuses was represented by two winners:
- LSC-CyFair: Ryan Lopez and Carolina Cando
- LSC-Houston North: Alexis Stone and Jeremiah Paiz
- LSC-Kingwood: Denise Thomas and Jonathan Nguyen
- LSC-Montgomery: Maria Alatorre and Camila Sanchez Petzold
- LSC-North Harris: Ni’liyah Mayo and Chance Stephens
- LSC-Online: Christine Moffett and Evan Salazar
- LSC-Tomball: Frank Atienza Coronado and Andrea Leon Justinek
- LSC-University Park: LaToya McGraw and Ariana Almazan
The celebration wasn’t just about scholarships. It was a testament to the power of second chances, late starts, and the courage it takes to keep going.
Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, executive director of the Lone Star College Foundation, shared how meaningful these moments are—not only to the recipients, but to the many donors who make their success possible.
“Lone Star College Foundation helps make our students’ dreams a reality,” Gauthier said. “With the support of our generous donors, we can alleviate some of the financial burden that comes with the pursuit of higher education.”
That mission has defined the Foundation’s work since 1991. Over the past three decades, it has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships and over $14 million in program and emergency support to students throughout the greater Houston area.
It’s a reflection of what the Lone Star College System stands for—access, affordability, and the belief that education should be within reach for every student, no matter where they start. Serving nearly 100,000 students each semester across eight colleges and multiple centers, LSC offers both academic transfer programs and career training to support the region’s growing workforce.
The Chancellor’s Essay Contest is a small snapshot of that impact. But for the students who shared their stories—and the community who gathered to hear them—it meant everything.
To support student scholarships, campus food pantries, or emergency relief funds, visit LoneStar.edu/Giving. Every donation tells a student: your story matters.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.