Lone Star College Foundation recognizes Chancellor’s Essay Contest winners at annual Donor Appreciation Lunch

HOUSTON, TX -- A college experience does more than produce a degree; it changes lives.


Lone Star College held the 30th annual Chancellor's Donor Appreciation Lunch Feb. 22 to recognize 16 students who earned a $1,000 scholarship for their winning entries in the Chancellor’s Essay Contest, “How My LSC Experience Has Influenced My Life.” Thanks to LSC Foundation donors, the funds will pay for tuition, books and fees for the recipients' next full-time semester.


'Lone Star College produces citizens who can compete and excel globally,' said Stephen C. Head. Ph.D., LSC Chancellor. 'Hearing the students' essays reminds us of our purpose, and we are proud to know that our efforts are truly changing students' lives.'


At the LSC Chancellor's Donor Appreciation Lunch, seven of the 16 recipients, who represent each college, read their essays in front of employees, donors, students and their families. They shared stories of how LSC welcomed them with open arms, guided them through the educational process, supported them during challenging times and offered resources to keep them on track.


“Lone Star College has given me a head start toward my career of being a pharmacist and relieved financial burdens because I can take prerequisite classes at a reasonable price,” said Nancy Valadez, LSC-Tomball student and Chancellor’s Essay Contest winner. 'Lone Star College has inspired me to work hard to reach my goals and has provided me with a great college experience that has helped me toward achieving my career.' Valadez plans to study pharmacy at the University of Houston.


Each LSC campus selected two students to receive the scholarship.

• LSC-CyFair: Liam Blakeway and Casey Sorkness

• LSC-Houston North: Jacqueline Gonzalez and Lauren Roesler

• LSC-Kingwood: Diana Gonzalez and Lea Kelly

• LSC-Montgomery: Zoey Driscoll and Cade Sellers

• LSC-North Harris: Edenzil Lacle and Edsandra Lacle

• LSC-Online: Olga Martinez and Mohammed Raiyan

• LSC-Tomball: Sophia Morgan and Nancy Valadez

• LSC-University Park: Soledad Favela and Artem Prudnikov


The LSC Chancellor's Donor Appreciation Lunch is an LSC Foundation event that not only recognizes students' successes but a way for the college to acknowledge the donors who continue to support students and LSC programs financially.


'Recipients have an opportunity to thank donors personally and show them how their financial contributions help them achieve their educational goals while at Lone Star College,' said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSC Foundation Executive Director. 'Support from generous benefactors continues to elevate our students who will build strong communities for the next generation.'