More than 40 scholarships were awarded to students during the annual College Connections event at Lone Star College-Kingwood on April 1st, 2026. The event was sponsored by the East Montgomery County Rotary Club.
The scholarships, each worth $250, were donated by generous business owners and non-profits across the East Montgomery County community.
Seniors from Caney Creek, New Caney, Porter, Splendora, and West Fork High Schools all had opportunities to win the scholarships, which they may use toward their educational journeys at any college or trade school of their choosing.
“I’m very thankful to have this and I feel appreciative to be with Lone Star,” shared Joseph Rivera, who attends Porter High School and was one of the recipients.
During the event, students and their families were also able to explore various resources that LSC-Kingwood offers, meet program faculty and staff, and learn more about the financial aid and admissions processes.
Former LSC-Kingwood President, Dr. Katherine Persson, was one of the donors representing the Rotary and the East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID), which both contributed scholarships.
She said she hoped the students would consider LSC-Kingwood to further their education.
“Our classes are small, our faculty are dedicated, very accessible, they get one on one, they care about their students, they are great in their teaching field and their professions. I would put them up against any of the major university professors.”
Porter High School senior and scholarship recipient Sheryl Juarez said the award will ease her path to LSC-Kingwood, where she plans to enroll after graduating in May.
“Thank you very much for this scholarship. With this money, now I can complete what I need to continue my education.”
Darbie Lindsey, president of the East Montgomery County Rotary Club, expressed her hope that the funds will expand educational access for the students.
“These are going to be the next teachers, and firefighters and nurses. They are going to be the next plumbers and electricians. They are going to be all those things that we need. To make sure they get the education that they need to be able to keep us afloat, that’s what phenomenal, just to know not only we are improving East Montgomery County; we are improving the state; we’re improving the world.”
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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