Boo Grigsby Foundation Donates over
$150,000 In Post-Secondary Scholarships

Career Compass of Louisiana helps high school graduates attend post-secondary education through generous donations from the Boo Grigsby Foundation. Formed by Lane Grigsby and his family, the foundation financially supports philanthropic organizations like Career Compass that serve Louisiana. A college scholarship recipient himself, Lane Grigsby is an ardent supporter of post-secondary education for Louisiana youth. More information about the Boo Grigsby Foundation and Career Compass is available at www.boogrigsbyfoundation.com and www.careercompassla.org.

The 2011 scholarship recipients are:

Austin Reed
Central High School
LSU

I will be attending LSU and majoring in Biology. For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in science and how the world operates. I am aware that LSU is both an expensive and an excellent university; this was the main reason I applied for the Boo Grigsby Scholarship. My family is not the richest; actually we've struggled often throughout my life. This is reflected in my mother having to raise me by herself, as my father has been in prison for most of my life. I have found it difficult coping with life without a permanent father figure present when I needed one the most. Since I was six years old, it has just been my mother and me relying on each other. It is such an honor to accept the Boo Grigsby Scholarship.


Denzel Pierre
West St. John High School
ULL

Winning the Boo Grigsby Scholarship is a dream come true as I will now be able to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and pursue a career in Computer Engineering. ULL has a great engineering program; their students are currently designing Nanosatellites for the NASA Educational Launch. I can't wait to be part of this exciting and lucrative field. My mother raised three very respectful, smart, and hard working sons. She has raised us to believe that we would attend college. It was never my intention to give up on this dream. My Career Compass Coach really helped me a lot. She helped pay for my application fee to ULL and then helped straighten out a problem with my enrollment and acceptance letter. She also told me about the Boo Grigsby Scholarship.


Destiny Pierce
Plaquemine High School
Southeastern University

I will be studying Biology and then furthering my education to become a dentist. Dentistry has always been my number one choice as long as I can remember, and I actually work half days as a dental assistant which I am so grateful for. It is a great joy to currently work in a field where I can observe, assist, and garner as much knowledge as I can about my future profession. Receiving the Boo Grigsby Scholarship has changed my whole life. The Boo Grigsby Foundation is the reason for me to not have to struggle. I am not under any illusions regarding the hard work, dedication, and effort necessary to become a dentist. Nothing scares me about going to school for eight years or enduring tough exams. What scared me was figuring out a way to pay for this journey.


Jenna Stelly
Livonia High School
BRCC

Choosing a college was a very tough decision. I have decided to start my college career at BRCC. I hope to transfer to Our Lady of the Lake College and get a degree in Radiology. The cost to attend college is overwhelming. I am one of those students who didn't qualify for financial assistance. According to the federal government my family makes too much money for me to receive a PELL grant. However despite being a hard working student and making good grades, I was unable to get my ACT score high enough to qualify for TOPS. I have been a model student. I never missed school and have been diligent in my studies. Thank you Boo Grigsby!


Keira Christophe
Port Allen High School
BRCC

Throughout my life there were times when I thought about giving up on college. With the help of Career Compass, I realized that I can pursue my dreams and accomplish anything I set my mind to. Thanks to Boo Grigsby, I will attend BRCC and hope to eventually transfer to LSU where I will major in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. I love helping people, especially children. There are many financial circumstances that would keep me from attending college. My family is not financially stable and I am the oldest of five. Our fathers are not a part of our lives, nor do they make any attempt to support my family financially. My mom works so much to support us, so I am always at home watching my siblings.


Kendrick McGill
Glen Oaks High School
Southern University

I am an individual who has been through many obstacles in life. I am the first male in my family to receive a high school diploma. I grew up in a rough environment and was distracted by a family full of people who never believed nor supported me. I live in a single parent home. My mother raised me to be the successful person I am today. She motivated me to stay in school and get my diploma. Thanks to the Boo Grigsby Foundation, I plan on attending Southern University where I will play football and major in Biology. The reason I play football is because it taught me to never quit when the going gets tough. The career I have chosen is dentistry.


Mendrek Solite, Jr.
White Castle High School
Southeastern University

I know exactly where I want life's path to take me. I will attend Southeastern Louisiana University and major in Nursing. This field really attracted me because of the way nurses care for others, teach and build relationships with patients and families, and advocate for the most vulnerable and needy. Once obtaining my bachelors, it is my intent to continue my education at John Hopkins University, ranked one of the top colleges in the U.S. This educational foundation and my work experience will provide an advanced level of leadership skills and character. This will help me to enter and flourish in the business world and eventually give back to my community. Winning the Boo Grigsby Scholarship has lifted a huge financial burden from me and my family. It is so amazing that somebody I have never known before is willing to take a risk on me. I always remind myself and encourage others to dream big.


Nycedia West
McKinley Senior High School
Southeastern University

I'm a very respectful, respected, considerate, and mature young lady. I plan to attend Southeastern Louisiana University in August, and pursue a career in social work. Ever since I was little, I've had a passion for helping others. My ultimate goal is to become a motivational speaker. I love giving others little pieces of motivation or confidence because sometimes doing a small deed for someone or giving them a word of confidence will help them remain positive throughout the day. One of the best things that Career Compass has done for me has been to encourage me to apply for the Boo Grigsby Scholarship. To have this assistance paying for my college tuition is such a blessing. It is an honor and a privilege for you to have even considered me for this scholarship. But to be awarded it…well, it's beyond words.


Shane Willis
McKinley Senior High School
Southeastern University

I am a very humble person, and I believe every bit of assistance helps. I am attending Southeastern and it was my fear that even with TOPS and a government appointed grant, I wouldn't have enough to cover all my expenses. Given I have never been able to picture a successful future without college's accreditations. I really needed a helping hand. I want the Boo Grigsby Foundation to understand just how grateful I am for your assistance. It is because of your scholarship that I do not have to wonder and worry how I will attain a college education. It is my promise to put your kindness to good and productive use. Four years from now, I will walk across the stage to receive my college diploma with a big smile on my face, knowing that Career Compass and the Boo Grigsby Foundation had a hand in my success!

The 2010 scholarship recipients are:

Chawaun Batiste
Livonia High School
ULL

I will be attending ULL in the fall to study nursing. My surroundings are a constant reminder of how important it is for me to further my education and motivate me to forge ahead. My Career Compass coach helped me tremendously. She exposed me to so many different colleges, and because of her I visited ULL and knew it was the right place for me. I appreciate everything she did to help me. Words cannot explain or emotions express how grateful I am to the Boo Grigsby Foundation for this scholarship. I have to set an example for my siblings and show them that anything is possible regardless of financial problems and negative living environments. I can show them to stay focused in school because it truly provides countless opportunities.


Kayla Beard
East Ascension High School
BRCC

I have set high goals for my future, and I will stop at nothing to achieve them. I have been living on my own and supporting myself since 2006. I want to become a high school teacher so I can influence young people. I want to show them that they can succeed no matter what life throws their way. Because of my situation, I am unable to receive federal financial aid; therefore, I did not know how I would be able to pay my college tuition. My Career Compass coach gave me hope for my future. For once in my life, it felt like someone believed in me and wanted me to succeed. It felt like I got a second chance at life. Thank you Boo Grigsby Foundation, words cannot express how badly I want to go to college, and because of you, now I can.


Awshanay Cain
Broadmoor High School
Nicholls State University

I cannot wait to go to Nicholls State University in the fall. It has been my dream for as long as I can remember to be a teacher. My Career Compass coaches not only helped me with the necessary paperwork that goes with applying to college, they provided much needed motivational stimulation and encouragement. They helped all of the seniors at my school, telling them that they can do whatever they put their minds to. It didn't matter what your ACT score or GPA was, they encourage us to be the best we can be! Any financial assistance for college is a blessing. Thank you Boo Grigsby Foundation. I can promise you I will do my part!


Jireh Cook
McKinley High School
BRCC

I am the oldest of 10 children. I want to show my siblings that education is the key to success. I will be attending BRCC in the fall to study graphic design. I needed this scholarship because due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be receiving any financial assistance to attend college. My Career Compass coaches have been like second mothers to me. They were loving, caring, and motivating, and they never let me give up. Thank you Boo Grigsby Foundation because I believe going to college will change my life. It will show the people who didn't believe in me how much I can accomplish!


Candace Coupel
Assumption High School
Nicholls State University

I am your average teenage girl with a lot of dreams and goals. I worked hard in high school and was very involved. I took the classes for TOPS, but because of my ACT score, I was unable to receive any financial assistance. It is important that I attend college and further my education, but money was an obstacle. Finding out how much it was going to cost to go to college was a huge let down. I was stressed! I honestly do not know what I would have done without my Career Compass coach. I felt like she was truly concerned about me and my dream. She told me she believed in me, and that gave me the determination to not give up. Thank you Boo Grigsby Foundation, I will be attending Nicholls in the fall to pursue my dream of becoming a registered nurse because of your help.


Madalynn Couvillon
Central High School
LSU

Over the past 2 years, my Career Compass coach has given me an immense amount of help. She kept up with my ACT scores and helped me fill out and submit my LSU application. In the wake of my dad's passing, Career Compass even paid for the application fees so I didn't have to worry about it. I know that because of the recent loss of my dad and my family's current financial circumstances it will take dedication, hard work, and a great deal of focus if I am to reach my career goal. I am thankful for organizations like Career Compass and the Boo Grigsby Foundation for helping me get to the next step.


D'Shea Digirolamo
Central High School
LSU

As a member of FCA, Best Buddies, MU Alpha Theta, and the dance team as well as being the student council president and the homecoming queen, I am very active in school. I want to be a teacher because I want to work with children, and I feel like God wants me there to make a difference in someone's life. College is going to be very hard for me financially. No one in my immediate family attended college, so we never really knew how much college would cost. I started my own savings account after I found out how much college would cost, but I know it won't be enough. Career Compass has educated me on so many aspects of college and even helped me to apply. I seriously had no clue about college until I began meeting with Career Compass. The Boo Grigsby Foundation scholarship will allow me to graduate from college and do something with my life. I want to make a change in someone's life, just like Career Compass has changed mine. I will never forget what Career Compass and the Boo Grigsby Foundation have done for me.


Tyniski Evans
McKinley High School
BRCC

From my own life experiences, I've learned that no one can succeed alone. Not having a mother or father in my house to connect with has made my life very difficult. I live with my great grandmother and she is my only financial support. I will not receive TOPS, and without the Boo Grigsby Foundation scholarship, I would not have the money for school. My Career Compass coach encourages me. Support and encouragement are the two most important things students need to succeed. To receive these from someone outside of school has made a huge difference in my life. She made me believe that my goals are obtainable with preparation and dedication. I want to work hard to change my life and with Career Compass and the Boo Grigsby Foundation's assistance, I know I can!


Vilien Gomez
White Castle High School
LSU

I will be attending Louisiana State University in the fall to study engineering. I thank Career Compass so much for what they have done for me. They paid for my housing application to stay in the engineering dorms at LSU, which will give me a huge advantage. We didn't have the money for the deposit so this was a huge relief. I have worked hard my whole life to be able to do this. Thank you Boo Grigsby Foundation because without this scholarship I would not have been able to afford the university I worked so hard to attend. Come graduation, I will be the first one in my family to get a college degree. I promise I will not let Career Compass and the Boo Grigsby Foundation down.


TelQuisha Hardy
East Ascension High School
RPCC

The past six years of my life have been a constant struggle, due to the fact that my mother passed away and my father is no longer in my life. When I was a child, I always dreamed about going to college, but with my circumstances, I thought this was only a dream. Without the Boo Grigsby Foundation scholarship, there is no way financially that I would be going to college. I now live with my grandmother, but she has no transportation and is unable to work. Meeting my Career Compass coach was the best thing that happened to me all school year. She made me realize that going to college was the right move to make. She also made me feel comfortable and help me understand that there are people willing to help as long as I am willing to help myself. I believe that no matter what you go through, as long as you keep your head up and stay on the right path, you can earn a second chance. Thank you Career Compass and Boo Grigsby Foundation for giving me the second chance I need!


Tyre' Jenkins
Glen Oaks High School valedictorian
LSU

My financial circumstances have left me and my mother heartbroken and devastated to the point that I thought of suicide. I became wholly engrossed in my aspiration; I knew I had to make it up the hill. It is not only my goal but a burning vision to attend LSU. I want to major in education to be able to assist young people. For many years, the Lord has blessed me with people in my life to help me. I just want to do the same thing for others. I have not achieved the benchmark standard to receive TOPS, so without the Boo Grigsby Foundation scholarship, I would not be able to attend my university of choice. My Career Compass coach has been phenomenal. She helped me apply to LSU and paid the fees for my mother and me to attend orientation. Career Compass has shown so much interest in my education that it has influenced me to take it a step further. Words aren't able to express my gratitude towards Career Compass and the Boo Grigsby Foundation.


Kevin McDaniel
East Ascension High School
RPCC

I will be attending RPCC in the fall, with the hopes of transferring to a four year college after two years. The biggest obstacle in going to college was finding the money to go. My mom has been sick since I was in the 8th grade, and my dad works very hard to provide for our family. It is important to them that I go to college. Without Career Compass, I would have been lost. They helped me dually enroll at RPCC this semester so I could take a college math class. They made sure I filled out my application for the fall, and even made sure the fee was waived. I am so thankful for the Boo Grigsby Foundation, and I cannot wait to start school in the fall!


Maci Mouton
Brusly High School
BRCC

Going into my senior year, I had no direction and didn't know what I wanted to accomplish in the future. My ACT scores were subpar and disqualified me from entering a four-year university. When Career Compass came to speak with me, I was initially skeptical. They helped me so much. They not only helped me apply to BRCC, but because of their help, I am able to envision myself as a full time college student. The Boo Grigsby Foundation scholarship has allowed me to pursue my dream to attend college without some of the financial worries. Without Career Compass and the Boo Grigsby Foundation, I don't know what I would have done. I am truly grateful that such assistance is available to me.


Christy Nguyen
Broadmoor High School
BRCC

I have known I wanted to go to college since I was a little girl. As I got older I realized that the biggest obstacle I would have to overcome is figuring out a way to pay for it. I have taken all of the classes for TOPS; unfortunately, I have not made a high enough score to receive the assistance. Thank goodness for Career Compass. My coaches have been so helpful, helping me apply for college and paying for me to take the ACT. Thank you Boo Grigsby Foundation for alleviating my fears about the future.


Rickikie Thomas
Plaquemine High School
Southern University at BR

I am really determined to reach my goals and there is nothing that I will let get in my way. Although I have been on honor roll since I have been in school, received a mastery certification on my GEE, and have been in the Beta Club since the fifth grade, my ACT scores prevented me from receiving TOPS. At the beginning of the year, I was afraid that I was going to let my family down by not being able to attend college. Career Compass helped me to allay that fear. With their help, I was accepted into Southern University. If Career Compass had not paid my application fee, I do not know when I could have paid for it myself. Receiving the Boo Grigsby Scholarship will be a very big deal because I will be the first of nine children to attend college. I want to thank Career Compass and the Boo Grigsby Foundation for helping me. This year has been hard for me, but you have made my future much brighter.


Chad Worley
Port Allen High School
LTC

I will attend LTC in the fall and work towards earning my welding certification. I did not qualify for TOPS or any other financial assistance, and I cannot afford to pay for college on my own. My Career Compass coach worked with me throughout the year, helping me find exactly what type of school and program was best for me. I am a hard worker and I am a really good welder. Thank you Boo Grigsby Foundation for the opportunity to pursue my goal and start my career with a clean slate.