Each of the 100,000+ students enrolled at Lone Star College System has a unique story about how their educational experience has impacted their life. Sixteen of those students were selected as winners of the annual Chancellor’s Essay Contest and earned a $1,000 scholarship to help cover tuition, books and fees as they continue their journeys at LSCS.

“Lone Star College Foundation helps make our students’ dreams a reality. With the support of our generous donors, we can alleviate some of the financial burden that comes with the pursuit of higher education,” said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSCS associate vice chancellor, Foundation Advancement & Donor Engagement.

Selected essays tell stories of aspiring nurses and engineers, a mother who struggled to advance her career without a degree, immigrant students discovering purpose and belonging, a former student returning to finish what he’d started, and the faculty members who supported their students along the way.

“Lone Star College System exists to help students get from where they are to where they want to be,” said Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSCS chancellor. “These essays highlight the powerful stories of students determined to improve their lives through education despite the obstacles they face.”

Scholarship recipient Ariana Almazan wrote about how her experience at LSC-University Park paved the way for her future career. In her winning essay, she shared that her nerves nearly took over during her first few days on campus as she was figuring out what the college had to offer.

But Almazan got involved in campus life and took advantage of campus resources. Career advising services would introduce her to the career path she is now pursuing—speech-language pathology.

“I have never felt so much like I was in a place that was truly dedicated to helping me succeed,” she said. “I have a plan now, I have goals, and I know the exact steps I need to take to achieve them. More than that, I have true confidence and excitement for my future, rather than the nervousness and apprehension I once had. My experiences at Lone Star College have not only prepared me for my future, but they have also introduced me to my life’s true calling.”

The Chancellor’s Donor Appreciation Luncheon recognized 16 students, including Almazan, who earned scholarships for their winning entries. Each LSCS campus selected two students to receive the scholarship:
• LSC-CyFair: Carolina Cando and Ryan Lopez
• LSC-Houston North: Jeremiah Paiz and Alexis Stone
• LSC-Kingwood: Jonathan Nguyen and Denise Thomas
• 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: Ariana Almazan and LaToya McGraw