Meridian Community College freshman Alondra Arreola-Espino expressed her gratitude for receiving an MCC Foundation Scholarship simply: “It makes me feel like I can keep going.”
Arreola-Espino, who received the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Scholarship, was one of many students whose stories were shared during the recent MCC Foundation Scholarship and Endowment Donor Appreciation Luncheon. The Meridian resident is studying in the University Transfer Program.
The luncheon served as a platform to thank donors and to connect scholarship recipients and donors. Leia Agnew Hill, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the MCC Foundation, acknowledged the donors for their generosity.
“Scholarships do more than pay the bill; they open doors and create new opportunities. They empower students to focus on their studies, and they inspire them,” she said.
“Because someone believes in them enough to help them pay for college,” Hill said.
Pedro Gonzales, a sophomore from Chunky, is studying in the Precision Machining Engineering Technology Program and is thankful to have received the Gene Haas Scholarship.
“This scholarship is super important to me because I come from an immigrant household,” he said.
“This helps me to be able to work and go to school and not worry about the financial side of school so I can try my best in the classroom and outside the classroom,” Gonzalez said.
Hill added that supporting education is investing in the future.
“Scholarships can help produce the next generation of workers, problem solvers, cancer cures, leaders,” she added.
Hill told the donors, “Your commitment to our students is very special.”