Alyssa “Lisette” Lopez was surprised with a $2,500 Senior Scholarship by KPRC in her PALs class Monday morning. Lopez will pursue her journey into higher education at the University of Texas this fall, beginning her educational studies in nursing and communications.

Lopez was chosen as one of two students to be nominated from Terry High School for this scholarship. She was nominated by Career & College Facilitator Katherine Lange who claims Lopez was the first student she thought of when she heard about this scholarship opportunity. Lopez had previously written an admissions essay on the environment in which she was raised, which is what Lange submitted in order to nominate Lopez. Her nomination was submitted Tuesday afternoon and Lange received the call notifying her that Lopez had won only two days later.

Lisette Lopez’s essay takes its reader through years of hardship including poverty, divorce, and natural disasters. From fires to tornadoes, Lopez has done everything in her power to rise from the ashes. She is unquestionably resilient and has a very bright future ahead of her. To close out her moving essay, Lopez states that “there are endless amounts of opportunity and adventure waiting to be explored. College will be my comeback story.” Congratulations, Lisette!