LYON’S PRIDE Scholarship Program
The Russ Lyon Foundation is proud of its scholarship program with the community colleges of Maricopa, Pima, Yavapai, and Coconino counties. The Russ Lyon Foundation launched the Lyon’s Pride Scholarship initiative, committing to a 5-year plan (beginning in 2021) to support 100 students with a total investment of $100,000. Annually, the program will award twenty scholarships, each valued at $1,000. Priority is given to applicants who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, those who are the primary earners in their households, and single parents. The scholarship is accessible for all academic programs.
PIMA COLLEGE Claudia B. Maria G. Cosondra H. Aurelio V.
COCONINO COLLEGE Colleen L. Ariana G. Veronica G.
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Karen G. Sabawoon S. Samantha G. Jazlyn R. Spencer G.
2021 RECIPIENTS
YAVAPAI COLLEGE Kimberly G. Micheala B.
2022 RECIPIENTS
COCONINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE Penn G. Iridian R. Tracey Y.
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Lenliza B. Matthew B. Brooklyn B. Corinna B. Anthony R. Alexander O. Alexia V. Ariel C. Valeria D. Adelaine D.
2023 RECIPIENTS
COCONINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE Julio Q. Sarah C. Danika
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Angel A. Jitendar S. Karla C. Martin D. Carolina L. Edith S.
YAVAPAI COLLEGE Alyx S. Traci R. Mary D.
2024 RECIPIENTS
YAVAPAI COLLEGE Elyssa B. Kayla C. Dicla J.
COCONINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE Chelsea L. Cynthia B. Alissa H.
2025 RECIPIENTS
Chelsea L. 2025 Recipient
Dear Lyon’s Pride Scholarship Committee, I am deeply honored to be a recipient of the Lyon’s Pride Scholarship, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity. This scholarship is more than financial aid, it is a symbol of hope and opportunity. My journey has not been easy, but education has been my guiding light. Balancing my studies at Coconino Community College with the responsibilities of motherhood has been challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. This scholarship has provided me with the means to obtain the necessary materials to succeed in my academic pursuits. Overcoming addiction has been one of the greatest triumphs of my life, and pursuing higher education is an extension of that victory. Every step forward reinforces my belief in the power of resilience and personal growth. Your support is a reminder that people believe in my potential, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Because of this scholarship, I can focus more on building a solid future for myself, for my child, and for the community I hope to serve. I will honor your generosity through my dedication and hard work, striving to create a life defined by progress and purpose. Thank you for investing in my education and my dreams. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and I will pay it forward in every way I can. Sincerely, Chelsea L.
Cynthia B. 2025 Recipient Pre-Health
Dear Lyon’s Pride Scholarship Donors, I am writing to sincerely thank you for awarding me the Lyon’s Pride Scholarship. I am truly honored to be selected for this $1,000 award, and I am deeply grateful for your support as I continue my educational journey. I am currently working toward my associate degree in Pre-Health, with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. As a first-generation college student, a single parent, and a resident of Arizona, this scholarship means so much to me. It not only helps ease the financial challenges of attending college, but it also encourages me to continue working hard to achieve my dreams. My long-term goal is to return to the Navajo Nation to help improve healthcare access and serve my community with compassion and dedication. Thank you for investing in my education and believing in students like me. Your generosity is making a real difference, and I am committed to honoring your support by achieving my goals and giving back to my people. Sincerely, Cynthia B.
Alissa H. 2025 Recipient Law Enforcement
Dear Lyon’s Pride Scholarship Donors, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for being chosen as a recipient of the Lyon’s Pride Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year. It is truly an honor to receive this award, and I thank you for your generosity and support of my educational journey. This scholarship has significantly impacted my ability to pursue my Associate’s Degree in General Studies at Coconino Community College and subsequently my Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Management at Northern Arizona University. With your support, I can concentrate more fully on my studies and worry less about the financial challenges of higher education. It is because of donors like you that students like me can work towards our academic and professional goals with greater confidence and diminished financial concerns. I am passionate about earning my degree and becoming a Law Enforcement Park Ranger. I have always loved spending time outdoors and helping people, and becoming a Park Ranger presents a wonderful opportunity to do both. This scholarship brings me one step closer to making that vision a reality. Hopefully, one day, I can give back to others with the same generosity you have shown me. Thank you once again for your investment in my future. Your kindness and support mean more than words can convey. Warm regards, Alissa H.
Elyssa B. 2025 Recipient
Associates of Arts Degree
Dear Foundation Members, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for selecting me to receive the Lyon's Pride Scholarship. This scholarship will provide me and my family with financial relief, allowing me to focus more on my studies and my little ones. Thank you again! Warmest Regards, Elyssa B.
Kayla C. 2024 Recipient
Associate of Science Degree in Computer Networking Technology
Dear Foundation Members, I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the scholarship you have generously provided. Your support will allow me to focus more on my studies and engage fully in my academic pursuits. This assistance is invaluable as I work towards achieving my educational goals. Your generosity has helped me in ways I'm unable to explain. Thank you once again for your kindness and belief in my potential. Sincerely, Kayla C.
Dicla J. 2025 Recipient
Degree in Graphic Design
Dear Foundation Members, I am deeply grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Lyon's Pride Scholarship. This generous support eases my financial burden and allows me to focus on my passion for graphic design at Yavapai College. I truly appreciate your generosity and commitment to supporting students. I am excited to explore my creativity and make the most of this opportunity. Thank you for believing in my potential! Warm regards, Dicla J.
Julio Q. 2024 Recipient
Associate with Nursing Intent
hank you for the support of my academic, career, and personal goals. As a single parent of 4 daughters and a non-traditional first-generation college student, the funds received will have a lasting impact on my family and generations to come. I am pursuing a career in nursing. I also hope to one day be a Nurse Practitioner. I grew up in Flagstaff and plan on investing in our local workforce. I am grateful and honored to be chosen as a recipient of the Lyon's Scholarship Award as a student at Coconino Community College. Sincerely, Julio Q.
Sarah C. 2024 Recipient
Associate in Fine Arts
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship committee, I am truly honored to be a recipient of this scholarship, The Lyon's Pride scholarship for Fall 2024. Thank you so much for choosing me to receive this scholarship. I am currently a freshman studying in the Fine Arts program at CCC. I just completed my first semester Spring 2024 with a GPA of 4.0. I am looking forward to the Fall semester where I plan on taking a full time class load. The new challenges and continued education the Fall semester will bring are exciting, I am looking forward to it. This summer I am focusing on my two part time jobs as a small business owner and a receptionist at a local mental health clinic. I am currently going through life changes with a divorce and all the things that come along with it. Stressful but I am hopeful. Being back in school has shifted my energy into new positive thoughts. I am grateful for this education opportunity. Thank You so much for this scholarship and the extra support of $1000 from the Lyon's Pride foundation. This money will allow me to go to school full time in the Fall and focus more on my grades and less on my jobs. Thank you so much for this scholarship and the generosity you have shown me. I will do my best this Fall and hopefully make the President's List again with a GPA of 4.0. Withgratitude, Sarah C.
Edith S. 2024 Recipient Nursing AAS
As a single mother working part-time while pursuing my second semester of the Registered Nurse program at Pima Community College, I have faced numerous financial and personal challenges. Balancing the demands of school, work, and parenting has not been easy. The financial assistance provided by this scholarship has alleviated a significant portion of my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my education and less on financial stress. This support has enabled me to dedicate more time to my studies, clinical practice, and participation in extracurricular activities that enhance my learning and professional growth. The scholarship has also provided me with a sense of encouragement and motivation. Knowing that there are individuals and organizations that believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my future means the world to me. It inspires me to work harder and strive for excellence in my academic and professional pursuits. Your generosity has not only impacted my educational journey but also my personal life. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of giving back and supporting others, a value I will carry forward in my career as a hospice nurse. I am committed to using my education to provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments. Thank you once again for your generosity and support. Your belief in my potential has made a significant difference in my life, and I am truly honored and grateful for this opportunity. Warm Regards, Edith S.
Caroline L. 2024 Recipient Nursing AAS
Receiving this scholarship is an immense relief and blessing for me, alleviating a significant source of stress that has weighed heavily on my shoulders, particularly in recent weeks. As a mother of two children and a full-time student pursuing my RN degree at Pima Community College, balancing financial responsibilities with academic and family commitments has been incredibly challenging. Financial constraints have been a persistent stressor in my life, affecting my ability tO focus furly on my education and provide adequately for my family. The support provided by this scholarship not only eases the immediate burden of tuition and educational expenses but also allows me to reduce my workload and dedicate more time to my studies and children. As a first-generation student, the path to achieving my educational and career goals has been paved with determination and perseverance. Every day, I strive to set a positive example for my children, showing them the importance of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of one's dreams despite the obstacles. With this scholarship, I am more empowered to pursue my aspirations of becoming a registered nurse and making a meaningful impact in healthcare. It enables me to focus on my academic journey without the constant worry of financial instability, ensuring that I can excel in my coursework and clinical experiences. I am deeply grateful for the generosity and belief in my potential that this scholarship represents. It reaffirms my commitment to academic excellence and strengthens my resolve to contribute to the nursing profession with compassion and dedication. In the future, I aspire not only to provide exceptional care to patients but also to advocate for healthcare equity and accessibility in my community. Thank you once again for this invaluable support. It has made a profound difference in my life and will continue to inspire me as I pursue my dreams of becoming a registered nurse and a role model for my children. Warm Regards, Caroline L.
Alyx S. 2024 Recipient
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being chosen for the Lyon's Pride Scholarship this spring 2024 semester. This opportunity is an incredible honor and means a tremendous amount to me. Not only will it relieve the associated financial stress of college, but it will also drive me to excel throughoutYavapai's nursing program. Currently, continuing the nursing pathway is my top priority and I look forwards to getting both my associates and bachelor's here at Yavapai College. Being granted this scholarship helps me continue this dream and your belief in my potential means I can focus on expanding my medical knowledge. I'm dedicated to making the most of this scholarship. Once again, I am truly grateful for your support and the journey ahead. I look forward to upholding your expectations and making a difference to Yavapai County's residents. Sincerely, Alyx
Mary D. 2024 Recipient
Associate of Arts
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, Thank you, thank you, thank you!! It was a very rough weekend thinking everything I needed to succeed as a student was not in place. I cannot thank you enough for awarding me this scholarship!! All monies will be put towards my success!! I am a single mom who is currently pursuing my Associate of Arts degree and am about 80% complete after this semester. I want to finish my degree to set a good example for my daughter. A very appreciative student, Mary D.
Traci R. 2024 Recipient
Associate of Arts with Nursing Intent
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, I want to personally thank the Lyon's Pride Scholarship for awarding me this financial blessing. It will help me continue in my success of a college degree and a step closer to applying to the nursing program. Thank you for your generosity monetarily. It makes me feel supported and recognized. Thank you for investing in my future! Sometimes I feel a little crazy and backward taking on college as a single mother of two children but here I am. This award will lift the financial burden and create a space to breathe while putting more focus on school. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Moments like this help me to keep going. Step by step. One day I hope to give back to others in such a capacity. Sincerely, Traci R.
Matthew B. 2023 Recipient Photography
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for this wonderful gift. With increasing cost of living this helps more than you realize. I'm returning to school at the age of 22 after not being able to pursue my education since high school. I moved out when I was 17 due to a poor home life and have been supporting myself ever since. I work a full-time job to make sure I can afford myliving expenses as well as college because to me an education is everything. I've always believed knowledge is power and being able to get my degree and continue my learning has been vital to me finding what I truly want to pursue. Receiving this scholarship. allows me to work part-time instead of full-time and focus more energy on my education and passion for the arts. My goal is to graduate with my associate degree with as little debt as possible and transfer to ASU into their photography program for my bachelors then eventual masters. The support of students like me is what keeps us feeling like we can actually make our education happen. It means a lot, and I can promise it’ll go to good use.
Lenliza B. 2023 Recipient Political Science
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, I sincerely want to thank you for considering me for this scholarship as it will empower me to continue to further my education. Not only will it allow me to continue and make a better life for myself, but it will help ease my stresses and anxieties that come with paying for college. My familial background is based in the Caribbean, and being a second-generation child of immigrants has shaped my identity. This background has also contributed to the intergenerational identity conflict I’ve experienced. I grew up in Tempe, Arizona and faced many challenges some of which revolved around the lack of diversity and representation that surrounded me. As a result I have always moved on the value that we must be the person that we needed growing up for the next generation. This is why I have chosen to pursue politics as a way to address disparities that can come from neglected communities and groups of people. When I first started attending Mesa Community College, I was still in high school at Corona del Sol. As a concurrent student, I began completing some of my general education courses. I eventually became a full-time student in the fall of 2020 until the fall of 2021. Having been in school strictly online, was fine in the beginning but it eventually became taxing, in my environment, so I stopped going to school with no real ambition to return. Until December of 2023, I don’t know what happened to me, but I suddenly felt compelled to register for classes. So here I am, still not giving up, I will continue to fight through the challenges of becoming the person who needs to fight for others. Receiving this scholarship will help me to continue to take and pay for my classes with out having to stress about paying for classes and my housing situation. Coming from a lower income background, having the opportunity to pursue higher education with ease is nearly impossible but with your generous scholarship I am able to finally become the full-time student who can finish her bachelor’s. Thank you again for supporting me with my education. I am so honored to be the recipient of this award.
Corinna B. 2023 Recipient Nursing
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, Thank you for the generous Lyon's Pride scholarship. I am a single mother, and the cost of providing a healthy home environment for myself and my young son as well as attend school has been a long term struggle and has prevented me at times from pursuing my BSN. I have paid out of pocket for my prerequisites to apply for the CEP nursing program at Gateway CC and now that I have been accepted into the program, the opportunity to succeed must also take precedence. With this contribution towards my college fund, I will be able to spend more of my time focusing on my academics. The ability to reduce my working hours, and dedicate more time to my home life and studying will help not only from a financial standpoint, but also mentally. Many thanks again, for allowing me to work towards my future and a career that is fulfilling.
Brooklyn B. 2023 Recipient Nursing
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, I would like to thank you very much for this scholarship. This is an amazing opportunity for me to invest in my education and in my future. I will be starting the nursing program at Paradise Valley Community College soon, and I am taking pre-requisite and co-requisite classes in the meantime. Thanks to you, I will be able to focus more on my studies. The program is very intensive, so I am grateful for the help. I am so excited to start the nursing program. I have a passion for helping people and building community with others. Being a nurse will allow me to do just that. I plan to get a bachelor's in nursing, become a registered nurse, and join the work force. As I get more experience, I would like to try out travel nursing and eventually get a nurse practitioner's degree. One of the classes I have taken so far was the nursing assistant class. In this class I had the opportunity to do clinicals at a long-term care facility. Interacting with the patients and hearing their stories helped me to grow more compassionate for those who are struggling. People in these facilities and in hospitals are going through some of the worst moments of their lives, and I want to be there to help them through it. I really appreciate your investment into my education, I will use it to help those who are vulnerable, bringing more hope and healing into the world.
Alexander O. 2023 Recipient
Biological Sciences, Equine Science
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, Thank you so much for awarding me with the Lyon's Pride Scholarship. I am currently attending Mesa Community College and pursuing a biological science degree and I am also attending Scottsdale Community College, where I am getting an associate's degree in Equine Science. Both of my majors are important because both will help me reach my goal, which is to get into veterinarian school. Once I graduate from both of my degrees, I am planning on applying directly to veterinarian school. If I don't get in, I will pursue a bachelor's degree in animal science. I chose to pursue my Biological science degree at Mesa Community College because of the excellent staff members, such as professors and academic advisors who have helped me achieve academic success. The Lyon's Pride Scholarship will assist me in covering my academic expenses, allowing me to concentrate more on my studies and begin my internship for my Equine Science Degree. I am very proud of being part of the Honors Society in Scottsdale and recently won a scholarship that I applied for through the honors program. I am also proud of the volunteer work that I have done, allowing me to further explore my career's environment. I am currently volunteering at a dog shelter and I am happy knowing that I am doing something good for my community. Once again thank you so much for awarding me with this scholarship, I will forever be grateful for those who helped me in my academic journey.
Anthony R. 2023 Recipient
Biological Sciences
Dear Lyon's Pride Scholarship Donors, Receiving a scholarship means more to me than simply money towards my degree. Receiving a scholarship is receiving encouragement and the knowledge that I'm believed in to continue and complete my education in hopes of becoming a neurologist. I am a first-generation college student and out of my six siblings, my sister and I encourage and support each other through our goal of graduating and obtaining a career in the fields we've always dreamed of. I believe my purpose is to help and care for others, and I've always taken an interest in the anatomy of the brain and body and know I want to become a neurologist. Receiving a scholarship would be an exceptional contribution to my dream!
Ariel C. 2023 Recipient
Information Technology
Receiving this scholarship has enormous significance to me. This aid is more than just money its hope for a better future. The event that made me want to pursue a degree in Information technology (cybersecurity) was when my credit card information was compromised by a breach. I panicked thinking I dropped my wallet or entered information in a fraudulent website. I always heard of breaches by hackers but never thought it could happen to me. I started researching ways that I can protect myself. I then realized there is only so much I can do. I came into the world to make it better not worst. My passion for technology and experience in my stolen data made me want to pursue my degree. As a child of a single parent household saving money for my education was nearly impossible when trying to keep afloat. As a second generation immigrant, a bachelors degree was far fetched. Scholarships received will go towards my bachelors in Information technology with a focus in cybersecurity. Thank you for this award.
Alexia V. 2023 Recipient
Associate in Science
Thank you for this scholarship. has allowed me to put less stress on myself and concentrate more on my education. I was facing significant financial challenges in paying for my upcoming academic year as well as the difficulties as a first-generation college student. I am planning to utilize a combination of resources to finance my education, including FAFSA, internships, scholarships, and federal work-study programs. FAFSA has been a crucial source of financial aid for me, covering my tuition and fees. I am also actively seeking internships to gain work experience and supplement my income. This scholarship helps me to further reduce the financial burden on my family. It really has encouraged me that I should keep going, which has also reaffirmed me to keep aiming for excellence. Thank you so much, Alexia
Adelaine D. 2023 Recipient Business
Dear Donor, Thank you so much for this scholarship. Currently, I am responsible for my own fees, tuition, and loans for college. Receiving this scholarship further allows me to pursue my education and career goals. Although I work off and on during school, it gets quite difficult sometimes trying to balance my workload and schedule. Luckily, while working last semester, I managed to maintain my grades, but with this scholarship, I may be able to invest even more time into my studies and education. Thank you immensely for your assistance,
Valeria D. 2023 Recipient
Radiologic Technology
Thank you for this opportunity to continue my education here at Gateway Community College. I was accepted into the Radiologic Technology program for the 2022-2024 school year. I was on a four-year waitlist, and once I got my email that I was accepted, I made all plans with my husband to quit my full-time job to become a full-time student. This program took 100% of my time, for school, studying, and clinicals. After I graduate, I am scheduled to take my exam on May 15th. This test is the deciding factor on me becoming an official radiologic technologist. I hope to work at Phoenix Children’s, which is where I currently do my clinicals. I have been struggling to mentally get through this semester, not only with studying for the certification test and for exams, but for the boards post grad. This will help me so much, and honestly, I cannot thank you enough. One less worry on my mind of how I was going to accomplish such goals, all because of this scholarship. Thank you kindly!
Penn G. 2023 Recipient Psychology
Dear Russ Lyon Foundation, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for making the Lyon's Pride Scholarship possible. I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor, and I sincerely appreciate your support. I am currently a Psychology major. Upon graduating from Coconino Community College, I plan to pursue further education at Northern Arizona University. The financial assistance you provided will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more of my time on studying. Thank you again for your generosity and support. I will work very hard and eventually give back to others, both as a psychologist and possibly starting a scholarship for future students like myself. Sincerely, Penn
Tracey Y. 2023 Recipient Nursing
I am sincerely honored to have been chosen as a recipient for the Lyon's Pride scholarship award. Funding school has been challenging for me, but with your generous contribution I am able to continue my education. Your contribution has allowed me to register for classes for the school year 2023-2024. Currently, I am majoring in the healthcare field in hopes of becoming of registered nurse. I want to give back to our many citizens who need healthcare. Helping others has always been a goal for me, so thank you for being apart of my journey. You made a huge difference! Without your contribution, registering for classes would have been impossible. Thank you again for your generous contribution, I am truly grateful. Sincerely, Tracey
Iridian R. 2023 Recipient Nursing
Dear Donors of The Lyon's Pride Scholarship, I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read my application for your scholarship opportunity. Sharing my story, my goals, and my commitment to achieve an education which lead to receiving your scholarship as support is truly an honor. Graduating high school eight years ago has always been a reminder that it is never too late to strive for a better future. I am hopeful to keep the determination of graduating college and pursue a career in nursing. My ultimate goal is to continue my education until I am ready to apply for the nursing program that is available at Coconino Community College. Being a full time worker, mother, and a student, my future is molding off what I create for myself, and for my son. I have always known that becoming a nurse is an accomplishment I longed to reach. I have very recently convinced myself to return to school and continue my education knowing I am now ready, and fully willing to complete my education and career targets that I deeply desire. The determination for my success is to demonstrate to my son that no aspirations are impossible as long as dedication is used wholeheartedly. Thanks to your generous help, I continue to feel supported, and find purpose in moving forward. I will proceed with my educational journey and always remember your contribution. With appreciation, Iridian
Kimberly G. 2022 Recipient
Business Management
I am one of the recipients of the Lyon's Pride Scholarship. I received the email yesterday with the wonderful news! Thanks to your generosity, I will be able to purchase school supplies and other items needed to set myself up for success at Yavapai College. I am a returning student, at 40, and focused on getting my Associate of Business. While enrolled at Butte Community College in Northern California, my hometown, just a few years ago, I was working on what they called my AS in Business Management. I very much enjoyed being a student, and worked hard to make good grades. Due to unforeseen circumstances with my daughters' father, three years ago, I packed up my 1989 Toyota Tacoma with my two (2) daughters, blankets, clothes, my dog, Elvis, and made the drive from Chico, California to Prescott, Arizona. My daughters, Josslyn (now 10) and Chrislyn (now 8) and I slept on a dining room floor for 6 months upon our arrival, as we were homeless. With help from the community, my daughters and I were able to get a lovely apartment ourselves, with an amazing back yard view (The mountain with the Prescott P is visible from our yard!). A local church in Prescott donated furniture, kitchen ware, and directed us to the DES office to sign up for SNAP. I have been blessed to find employment at Prescott College in the grants department and have been employed at Prescott College for 6 months. My plan is to transfer to Prescott College for my bachelor's, upon completing my courses at Yavapai College. My little family and I came to Arizona with literally next to nothing. Life wasn't as fair as it should have been to my daughters, in my opinion. It's been difficult to start a life over from what feels like scratch, but with the generous help of this lovely community in Prescott, my daughters and I have been able to have a nice little life here. A life my children very much deserve. That's when I decided to re-enroll in school and pursue my degree, once again. I'm an avid book reader, which is a polite way to say I am really a book nerd. My daughters and I love to play tennis, play card and board games together, roller skate, arts & crafts and they're starting to develop a love of reading, also. It's my intimate desire to be an example to my children that they will be proud of. I want to instill a love of learning, a love of education, and a love for their communities. I plan on doing homework in the evenings with my daughters, and us all navigating this education journey together! I will be leading my family by example Again, I just want to thank you so much for even taking the time to consider me as a recipient for this scholarship award, let alone granting it to me. Thank you so much for this opportunity and this blessing! Best, Kimberly
Micheala B. 2022 Recipient
Business Management
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for selecting me for the Lyon's Pride Scholarship. I am truly honored to have been selected for this scholarship and it will help me out tremendously. I was surprised and so excited when I got the email saying I had been selected to receive it. I am currently a single mom of two daughters and the worry about having the ability to provide for them while furthering my education was a worry of mine. I work full time and have been going back and forth for a while trying to decide what and if I wanted to return to school. I was worried I may not have the funds or the time to make sure my daughters were taken care of. With receiving this scholarship some of that worry is now taken away as I know that a portion of my tuition will be covered, and I can continue to further my education and career goals while providing my daughters the best life possible. My goals for my education are currently to get my Management Certificate to help me with my current employment as well as being able to manage my future goals. After I finish this certificate, I will be moving on to achieve my Associates in Paralegal Studies. My goal in the end is to be able to start a career as a Legal Paraprofessional and help people like myself who may not be able to pay for an attorney but need the legal help in family law matters. Thank you again for this opportunity and help to achieve my goals.
Samantha G. 2021 Recipient
Associate in Business
Thank you! I am a first-generation Hispanic-American student. I am attending Mesa Community College this year to achieve my goal of being a business owner. This idea sparked when I was in school for massage therapy. My instructor was a business owner herself, and that was very inspiring to me. She encouraged me to go to college and pursue my dream. After successfully graduating from MCC, I will use my degree to open a business of my own (a spa to be exact). I chose MCC because it opened a window of opportunity for lower-income students like me. MCC is giving me a chance to think bigger and change my mindset. At first, the idea of college didn’t seem available to me because not only was it too much money, but I thought I was set on just being a massage therapist. I thought that was enough, but I soon realized I had more potential in me. I asked myself why just work at a spa when I can own one? After that, I have been set on becoming successful, and receiving this scholarship will bring me one step closer to being the successful businesswoman I know I can be.
Jazlyn R. 2021 Recipient Nursing
I want to say a big thank you to the donors for donating and for making this scholarship opportunity possible. As a first-generation high school graduate and the first to go to college, I was scared and not really prepared for how I was going to pay for college. I am attending Mesa Community College because I come from a lowincome family and sometimes it is hard to make ends meet for my parents and me. This scholarship will make it easier for me to attend school because being a full-time student can make it difficult to have a job. For example, I help my mom around the house and I also help her run errands. I get tired sometimes and I then have to focus on school work. I am given certain labs that take more than a day to complete since I have to gather materials and analyze data. I also have my English work on top of that. Your scholarship has taken a lot of the financial stress off my shoulders. Thank you!
Sabawoon S. 2021 Recipient
Business Micro Finance
Hello! I am honored and humbled to be selected for this scholarship. I am thankful for your generosity and your interest in my education. I am the first in my family to attend college., Getting this scholarship has allowed me to fully focus on my school and not worry about how I am going to pay for my school. For this fall semester, I am enrolled in 4 classes at Glendale Community College. I choose to go to community college my freshman year because it allows me to explore all the fields out there and gives me a chance to find my likes and dislikes. I want to study finance in college and hope to become a financial analyst one day and with the help of generous donors like yourself, I will be able to reach that milestone very soon. I am also an honor student at GCC which was something I worked hard for in high school. Receiving this scholarship keeps me motivated and hopeful that people do care about my education which allows me to keep my GPA high. I look forward to giving back to my community one day when I am able and helping students and my community. Once again, I am very thankful for your investment and your willingness towards my education.
Spencer G. 2021 Recipient
Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Hello, I am a first-generation American, the first in my family to serve in the United States Armed Forces, and the first in my family to go to college. Since I was a child, I have always been intrigued by airplanes and helicopters. When I graduated high school, I joined the Navy to work on aircraft and I fell even more in love. When I got out of the Navy, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the aviation industry and obtain an airframe and power plant (A&P) license from the Federal Aviation Administration. After I have my certificate of completion, I will complete testing with the FAA and obtain my power plant license. Holding both my airframe and power plant license, I will be certified by the FAA to inspect and perform maintenance on aircraft. I will find a job in the aviation industry doing something that I love to do. This will impact my life in such a positive way. I will be working doing something that I am passionate about, and it will bring financial stability to me, my wife, and our future family. Receiving this scholarship has provided the support I need to pursue my education. The Aircraft Maintenance Technology program requires a personal laptop, reading/studying materials, as well as a plethora of tools that are not provided by the school. Your scholarship has removed a large financial burden from my shoulders. Thank you!
Karen G. 2021 Recipient Nursing
Dear Donor, I just want to take the time and thank you for giving me this opportunity. Being a single mother makes affording school more difficult. This award is going to help me tremendously. I am attending nursing school in the fall and had no financial aid to cover my tuition cost. It has been a long-time dream of mine to take care of others and make a difference in my community. Having a degree in nursing will get me closer to reaching such a dream. I have worked long hard hours since I was 16 years old, and this award will help me focus on school more instead of working so much to pay for it. Overall, I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and will always be grateful to you for investing in my future and believing in me throughout my journey. Thank you!
Maria G. 2021 Recipient Nursing
Dear Lyons Pride Scholarship Foundation, The scholarship you awarded me is very much appreciated! My family and I thank you and your donors for the financial assistance, toward my education. I have paid for my education, taking a class at a time, for the last five years. Nursing School is very competitive to get into, and receiving The Lyons Pride Scholarship relieved me of some of the financial responsibility of my tuition costs. I am very grateful, thank you for getting me a step closer to completing my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse: my anticipated graduation date, is December 2022. Respectfully, Maria
Ariana G. 2021 Recipient
Journalism and Media Communication
Dear CCC Foundation, I'd like to express my gratitude for the award offer from the CCC Foundation. I am honored to have been selected for this offer. Considering how the pandemic has kept me from being able to do things independently when it started in my senior year. I started off this year however hopeful despite not being sure what I want to do in regards to a major. However, I preserved and had the most gracious professors at CCC to have guided me towards what I wanted to do in my major. So, since May 2021 I've decided to go into the course of journalism and media communications! I hope to stay in touch with this renewed passion of mine even when I further off from college. After I graduate I plan on transferring into Hunter College back in New York where I am originally from. With my financial burdens being lifted off of me and being able to gather an education throughout the toughest times the world endured, I can finally get to pursue the dream I've held back for so long in the back of my mind. It's been an amazing freshman year and I'm very thrilled to have maintained my good grades despite the circumstances that have occurred. Once again I am truly grateful for this opportunity and to have accepted it for betterment of my sophomore year at Coconino Community College. Sincerely, Ariana
Colleen L. 2021 Recipient Nursing
Dear Coconino Community College Foundation, I am writing to thank you for your generous $1000 CCC Foundation Scholarship. I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as a recipient of your scholarship. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was very young. I never thought that attending college was a possibility for me, until recently when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I cared for her until her death, and I realized that nursing is my passion. I would love to go into hospice nursing because I can't think of anything more rewarding than caring and providing comfort for someone at the end of their life. I am starting my second year in the CCC Nursing Program. My goal is to become a Registered Nurse, and thanks to you, I am one step closer to my goal. By awarding me the CCC Foundation Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies. I want to be a positive example for my two daughters that they too, can achieve their goals. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day to be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me. I will forever be grateful for your help. Sincerely, Colleen
Veronica G. 2021 Recipient
Early Childhood Development
Dear Lyon's Pride Donor, Ever since I was a small child, I have dreamed of attending college. Since being recently named a recipient of the CCC Foundation Scholarship, my dream is finally becoming a reality. I am glad to have the opportunity to thank you personally for your generosity. Without donors like you, many students would be unable to pursue the career of their dreams. My future includes pursuing a career in Early Childhood Development. I not only have a passion for Education, but also a vision to help make my community a safer place to live. Once again, I offer my sincerest thanks for your generous support. Sincerely, Veronica
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