The Dallas College Foundation has awarded Myers-LeCroy Endowed Scholarships to five students for the 2024 academic year, recognizing their outstanding leadership and academic achievement. The scholarship recipients include Graciela Diaz, Isaac Dickson, Jullien Gonzalez, Ethan Notgrass, and Tyuanna Simmons, along with last year’s awardee, Remington McCarty.
The Myers-LeCroy Scholarship, established by Mike Myers in 1988 to honor the late Dr. R. Jan LeCroy, provides students with funding for tuition and books for up to six consecutive semesters. The program also includes one-on-one mentoring with Dr. Nancy LeCroy and Mike Myers, along with participation in enrichment activities. Additionally, students can apply for further financial support through the Mike A. Myers Foundation to continue their education beyond the first two years.
This scholarship program stands as the first major student recognition and incentive initiative established by the Dallas College Foundation, designed to honor Dr. LeCroy’s significant contributions to education and the community.
Graciela Diaz
As a paraprofessional at Lewisville ISD, Graciela Diaz has witnessed the transformational power of education in shaping the lives of students. “I am inspired by their resilience, curiosity and boundless potential,” she said. This, in turn, fueled her desire to earn a bachelor’s degree so that she can have a deeper impact on their lives. Following an extensive application process, Diaz was accepted into the district’s Paraprofessionals to Teachers Program and is working toward a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching at Dallas College. A partnership between Lewisville ISD and Dallas College will allow her to continue to work for the district, complete her observation and residency, and become a dual language teacher there. Meet Graciela Diaz.
Isaac Dickson
Inspired by his friend Paul’s courageous battle with cancer, Isaac Dickson is studying to become an oncology nurse but is open to other nursing specialties as well. “With unwavering passion, empathy and resilience, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients and contributing to the advancement of cancer care for generations to come,” he said. Dickson said he finds solace and purpose in supporting others. He has demonstrated that through volunteering with cancer support groups, cancer research fundraising events and Habitat for Humanity. Dickson has mentored students at historically Black colleges and universities and advocated for patient rights and quality care. “These experiences have enriched my understanding of community needs and reinforced the importance of empathy, compassion and social responsibility in effecting positive change,” he said. Meet Isaac Dickson.
Jullien Gonzalez
At Dallas College, Jullien Gonzalez has been involved with the Male Achievement Program and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. During high school, he played varsity baseball beginning in his sophomore year and continued his baseball career with the Lake Washington Kangs in Kirkland, Wash. He now plays recreationally and has a passion for Brazilian jiujitsu. Eventually, Gonzalez plans to become a business owner and run a Central American fusion restaurant. In addition to working toward an Associate of Applied Science in culinary arts, Gonzalez is heavily focused on his Spanish studies, which will allow him to connect to Spanish speakers in his business pursuits. “Diversity is essential in the food industry,” he said. He plans to transfer to the University of Guadalajara or a Texas university. Meet Jullien Gonzalez.
Ethan Notgrass
For Ethan Notgrass, the quest for academic excellence began in high school where he graduated magna cum laude, while also completing 15 credit hours of college coursework. He served as captain of his baseball team and weight room and coached a youth soccer team of 5- and 6-year-olds. Notgrass’ interest in his chosen field of kinesiology stems from his own experiences with sports injuries. “The setbacks haven’t just tested my physical toughness; they’ve ignited a curiosity in me to understand the mechanics of the human body and science behind rehabilitation,” he said. Recognizing the importance of proper exercise and movement, he hopes to provide other athletes with the knowledge and support they need to recover and excel. Meet Ethan Notgrass.
Tyuanna Simmons
While in high school, Tyuanna Simmons’ leadership was recognized when she was presented with the 2023 Coaches Captains award for exceptional leadership skills and ability to motivate, collaborate and foster a cohesive team environment. In addition, she received a Life School Life Project award for her senior project focused on creating awareness for and destigmatizing mental health issues as well as promoting resources and support mechanisms within the school community. Her goal is to become a superintendent and lead educational institutions to implement policies that enhance learning for all students. “I aspire to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential,” Simmons said. After obtaining her Associate of Arts in Teaching, she plans to transfer to Texas Tech University to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Meet Tyuanna Simmons.
The Myers-LeCroy scholarship program is part of Dallas College Foundation’s work to make Dallas College the nation’s leading economic mobility college. It supports the needs of students as they prepare for work in today’s economy. The Myers-LeCroy scholarship program helps students develop leadership and integrity to become civic and professional leaders who actively contribute to the Dallas community.
