Pay-It-Forward Scholarship

Izamary Lara is a first-generation daughter of two immigrants. Growing up, her home life was unstable for as long as she could remember. When her mother finally found the courage to leave her abusive father, the family struggled financially, living paycheck to paycheck. Izzy’s mother told her she would be on her own for high school and college. Izzy kept working hard in hopes of answering her life’s calling: medicine. With the help of the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, Izzy now has the support she needs to pursue her college education and her dream of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Corynn Gray was raised as one of 20 children between her mother and father. No matter which parent she lived with, the environment was unhealthy. Abuse, neglect and addiction eventually led Corynn to homelessness. Despite it all, she kept striving for a better life than the one her parents gave her. Finally staying with a stable guardian, Corynn was able to finish school and become a business owner. Now, with the help of the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, Corynn is pursuing a visual arts degree at UL Lafayette.

McKenzie was forced to grow up quickly because of her mother’s struggle with addiction, often helping take care of her younger sisters. When her mother passed away, McKenzie’s grandparents took her in, and she and her siblings were later adopted by their uncles. Despite every setback, McKenzie kept a positive attitude and kept working toward her goals. She hopes to become a social worker to help others with difficult home lives, and the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship gives her the chance to fulfill that dream.

Jakatelyn learned that everything is not as it seems when her father battled addiction. She and her mother grew close through the years. Her role model is her mom, who always encourages her, motivates her and is there for her no matter what. With that example in hand, Jakatelyn kept her grades up to seek a career in the medical field. Now, with the help of the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, she won’t have to worry about money while pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

Sydney Landry always worked hard and understood the value of education growing up in a single-parent household. The second of five children, Sydney watched her mother struggle with health issues that left the family struggling financially. Despite financial and emotional battles, she was determined to reach her goals. Sydney hopes to become an OB-GYN, open her own practice and start an outreach program for young kids. With the help of the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, she will keep pushing toward her full potential.

Philong Phan worked hard at his grades, his extracurriculars and a job to help his parents get by. He kept straight A’s while working 20 to 30 hours a week, all while competing in track and field and Quiz Bowl and serving in the National Honor Society at Cecilia High School. With the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, Philong has the means to pay for school and achieve the success his parents always envisioned for him.

Growing up in a tumultuous household, Angelique Schmidt did not have an easy life. After her father abandoned the family in her third year of high school, Angelique lost every scholarship opportunity that depended on state residency. Despite these setbacks and more, she earned a 4.1 GPA her senior year. With the help of the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, Angelique can pay for school and pursue her dream of becoming a pharmaceutical dermatologist.

Chloe Deville was raised by her grandparents, whose only income was disability because of her grandfather’s illness. When her grandfather passed away, her grandmother found a job, but it only covered the basics. Chloe kept excellent grades while staying heavily involved in the National Honor Society, BETA Club and community service. With the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, Chloe can pursue nursing at UL Lafayette without the financial struggle.

Major Willis, Jr. has overcome many obstacles, keeping his eagerness to learn and excelling in academics even when his disability kept him from attending class in person. His community service and his election as All-District Treasurer for The Interact Group are just the tip of the iceberg. With the help of the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, Major has the financial assistance he needs to study criminal justice at UL Lafayette.