Essay contest winners inspire at Lone Star College Foundation’s annual luncheon

HOUSTON, TX -- Each of the nearly 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 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.”

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.

“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,” said Jonathan Nguyen, LSC-Kingwood student. “My experience at LSCS hasn’t just influenced my life; it’s shaped the person I am becoming.”

Contest entries were judged on focus, organization and structure; inspirational and emotional impact; grammar usage and writing mechanics. The writing prompt was “How my Lone Star College experience has influenced my life.”

The winners—two students from each campus—were celebrated at Lone Star College Foundation’s donor appreciation luncheon on Jan. 27:

• 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

“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, LSC Foundation executive director.

Visit LoneStar.edu/Giving to learn how to support students through scholarships, campus food pantries, emergency relief funds and more.