Kaitlyn Galle
MGCCC Foundation scholarship vital to student’s 10-year plan Kaitlyn Galle, Kaitlyn applied of Biloxi, has a for Pell grants 10-year plan. That and received might not seem that two academic remarkable, except scholarships that Kaitlyn is only through the 18 and a freshman MGCCC at Mississippi Gulf Foundation. “One Coast Community was for my ACT College. scores and the “In 10 years, I want other was strictly to own a business academic,” she in event planning says. “It has helped and design,” she me out a lot this says. “That means year, allowing me a combination of to attend without business classes any out-of-pocket and art classes as expenses.” well, maybe interior She says that design.” means a lot while Kaitlyn thought saving as much Kaitlyn Galle, of Biloxi, is a freshman at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community about her college money as possible experience with the College Jefferson Davis Campus. Kaitlyn has received two academic to attend university scholarships from the college, both through the MGCCC Foundation. After same attention to after she graduates graduating from MGCCC, she plans to transfer to a state university and get detail. “I want to go degrees in business and art. from MGCCC. to a university in “Anything I save Mississippi, preferably one that is not close to home,” she now is going toward what I will have to spend later. These says. “I want to get the full experience once I get there.” fi st two years are really going to leave me in a great place But for now, Kaitlyn says that MGCCC was the best as far as education and the cost of that education.” choice for her. “I knew I wasn’t ready to move way away There are many more students with similar stories from home and tackle a completely new environment,” that are helped by scholarships through the MGCCC she says. “I also hadn’t decided exactly what my major Foundation. In 2016, the Foundation awarded 701 would be. MGCCC was just the best idea. It allowed me scholarships to MGCCC students for a total of to get the college experience while still being near my $515,276.24. Scholarship money is raised through events family and friends. There are great instructors here that like the annual Scholarship Gala, scheduled for May 1, will really work with you. It is harder than high school, 2017, at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. for sure, but not as intimidating as a class of 250 people. “We host a variety of fundraisers throughout the Here, I can work on my core classes, and it is just so much year,” says Tracey Walters, chief of staff or the college more affordable.” president and head of the Foundation. “Some of the Kaitlyn says she wasn’t surprised to see many of ways we raise money include donations made during the her friends who had headed off o a university for fall Day of Giving in November, Homecoming, the Walk of semester in the halls at MGCCC this spring. “I came Honor and, of course, memorials. The Gala is our biggest across several of my friends already this semester. They fundraiser, with over $400,000 raised last year. That kind said they just weren’t ready for university. I’m glad I made of money helps our students a great deal, giving many the decision to stay here for two years. Right now, I’m the opportunity to participate in student activities and ahead of the game as far as classes and spending goes.” programs that they may not be able to afford otherwise.” 76
March-April 2017
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