MCC Names 2023 E2E Scholarship Recipients

Ten McHenry County College (MCC) students recently received the prestigious Education to Empowerment (E2E) award, a scholarship and mentoring opportunity offered through the Friends of MCC Foundation. The scholarship's mission is to empower students to reach their fullest potential and achieve economic independence through education, mentoring, and financial support.

“We have an incredible group of E2E scholarship recipients again this year,” said Jessica Rizza, development coordinator for the Foundation. “Each of these students are highly motivated to complete their education and make a difference in the world. We are honored to be a part of their journeys.” 

The 2023 recipients are Abigail Tatosian and Sophya Anbar of Algonquin; Makayla Travers of Cary; Arriana Reynolds of Crystal Lake; Laura Gomez-Esparza of Harvard; Kathleen Escobar of Lake in the Hills; Megan Gordon of McHenry; Lacey Schaffter of Wonder Lake; and Elle Lagerstrom and Ximena Garcia Esparza of Woodstock.

The recipients and their career plans are as follows:

• Abigail Tatosian hopes to inspire future students as an elementary school teacher. After graduating from MCC, she plans to transfer to Northern Illinois University to obtain her bachelor’s degree.
• Sophya Anbar plans on majoring in biology and following the pre-med route when she transfers to a four-year university. Her goal is to become a cardio thoracic surgeon, helping to save lives and make a difference in the world. 
• Makayla Travers wants to follow her passion for art by becoming a graphic designer. She also sells and creates custom digital drawings and handmade jewelry. 
• Arriana Reynolds has always dreamed of helping others and giving back to those in need. She plans on studying to become a child psychiatrist. 
• Laura Gomez-Esparza wants to become an art teacher with the goal of helping young people fall in love with art and education the way that she has.  
• Kathleen Escobar hopes to one day teach ceramics at a college level while recreating the supportive, inclusive art studio environment she has experienced at MCC. 
• Megan Gordon plans on earning her degree in civil engineering and working as a structural engineer, specifically for a company that designs and builds residential buildings. 
• Lacey Schaffter has always been fascinated by the idea of becoming a crime scene investigator and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice after graduating MCC. 
• Elle Lagerstrom is studying to become a licensed therapist. She has always been passionate about helping others and wants to support people during their most vulnerable times.
• Ximena Garcia Esparza plans to study environmental science at either DePaul University or the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

To qualify for the award, applicants must be full-time students who have achieved sophomore status and earned a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.25. Applicants must also complete several essays outlining their personal goals, barriers they have overcome to pursue their education, and the difference that a mentor could make in their lives.  

The Education to Empowerment scholarship began in 2013 with the goal of bringing together 100 members in McHenry County who wanted to make a difference by providing scholarships and mentoring opportunities for MCC students. Each person donates $1,000 each year. To date, the E2E program has awarded $620,000 to 67 MCC students. 

“We’re so grateful for the E2E members who donate their time and resources to make this possible,” said Rizza. “This program inspires generations of students to not only achieve their goals, but to give back and make our community a better place.” 

“By making true connections with these students and providing ongoing mentorships, we’re showing them that they have a whole community who believes in their potential,” added Christina Haggerty, vice president of marketing, communications, and development at MCC. “The scholarship aspect of the program allows them to focus on their education and turn their dreams into reality.” 

The E2E scholarship provides $10,000 in funding for each student that can be applied toward tuition, books, and fees for a recipient’s last year at MCC and first year at an accredited four-year institution. 

This year’s recipients were honored at a special ceremony on July 27 at Lincoln Farmstead in Huntley.

The next E2E event will be a Fall Luncheon held on Thursday, September 28 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The District in Richmond, IL. The Luncheon is open to the public. Registration information can be found here.

For information about Education to Empowerment or other scholarships, call the Friends of MCC Foundation Office at (815) 479-7529 or see E2E information here.