Lone Star College students named Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship semifinalists

HOUSTON, TX -- The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation named 18 Lone Star College students – the most of any college in Texas – semifinalists for its highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The scholarship helps community college students transfer to top four-year institutions and avoid student debt.

“These students are to be celebrated for their exceptional academic ability, leadership and service,” said Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSC chancellor. “I would also like to congratulate our amazing faculty and staff who provide the support and encouragement to help these students achieve this acknowledgment.”

The award provides last-dollar funding after all institutional aid is awarded and can provide as much as $55,000 per year for two to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited four-year undergraduate institution in the U.S. In all, 459 semifinalists were chosen from a pool of more than 1,600 applicants nationwide this year.

“The exceptional pool of talent among this year’s chosen semifinalists from community colleges showcases the vast potential within these institutions and we look forward to learning more about these students during the final stage of our application review,” said Seppy Basili, Executive Director, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in a statement.

In addition to the financial support, selected Cooke Transfer Scholars receive educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support to help guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing for their future careers.

The 18 LSC finalists are…

Alana Aristimuno Millan*

LSC-Kingwood

Leah Ayache*

LSC-Tomball

Oluwafolajimi Bolusteve**

LSC-Houston North

Camila Cobos*

LSC-University Park

Terrie Cook*

LSC-Kingwood

Gwendolyn Crain**

LSC-Tomball

Nathalie Del Olmo*

LSC-Montgomery

Miguel Flores Lopez*

LSC-North Harris

Mark Garcia***

LSC-Tomball

Alexis Lopez*

LSC-Tomball

Marshall Lee Mullins*

LSC-University Park

Raquel Paz Bergia*

LSC-Montgomery

David Perla Corea*

LSC-CyFair

Guiliana Sodaro***

LSC-Tomball

Esbeidy Torres Ibarra*

LSC-Kingwood

Camila Villarreal Cortinas*

LSC-University Park

Anastasia Walker*

LSC-Tomball

Marianny Zavala Escalona*

LSC-Montgomery

*LSC Honors College student

**LSC Global Scholars and Honors College student

***LSC Global Scholars student

The students recognized as semifinalists are part of the LSC Honors College which offers a wide range of opportunities for students – from incoming freshmen wanting to graduate with an Honors Associate of Arts or Honors Associate of Science degree, to high-achieving students seeking to graduate with Honors distinction, to students interested in earning individual honors course credit.

The LSC Global Scholars program, housed in The Honors College, is designed to provide dynamic, intercultural learning experiences and an International Studies core-course curriculum to ensure graduates are well-positioned to live, work, compete and collaborate in an increasingly globalized world.

“The Honors College at Lone Star College has a long history of helping students become Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship semifinalists,” said Katharine Caruso, LSC associate vice chancellor, Honors College and International Education. “Their success is a testament that Lone Star College can provide incredible opportunities in our community and nationwide.”

The finalists for the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship will be announced in May.