HCC Central student earns inaugural scholarship from Hung Vuong Vietnamese Language School

MacKenzie Caron’s journey to higher education has not always been easy or straightforward. Despite circumstances throughout her childhood and adolescence that made her future feel uncertain, the 29-year-old single mother attending Houston City College is now certain that her past will not dictate her future.

During the Hùng Vương School of Vietnamese Language and Culture (VNHV) 40th anniversary gala on Oct. 24, 2026, Caron received a $1,000 scholarship from school President Vuong T. Pham. The award will support Caron’s goal of earning a psychology degree and a Chemical Dependency Counseling license at HCC.

“Through my faith, resilience and dedication, I've learned that where you start does not have to determine where you finish,” Caron said. “I intend to continue my higher education by working toward a bachelor's degree in nursing, followed by a doctoral degree, with the intention of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.”

As a child, Caron, her mother (Patsy), and her younger siblings survived domestic abuse, which eventually led them to seek refuge in shelter. Throughout the challenges, Caron drew profound strength from her mother, who successfully transitioned from a stay-at-home mom to a college student. While raising three children, Patsy persevered to earn an associate degree in General Studies in 2006.

“I was able to watch her walk across the stage to get her diploma,” Caron said. “Her resilience inspired me to overcome my own circumstances.”

HCC history professor Dr. Alex La Rotta proudly recommended Caron for the scholarship, impressed by her classroom achievements and commitment.

“MacKenzie told me about her daughter and her proud mother who models success but never asked for extra help despite challenges she faces,” Dr. La Rotta said. “I could tell, however, that she endured what I have seen time and again in my capacity as a college professor as the ‘quiet struggle.’”

While student hardships are common, he said it is exceptional to encounter individuals who balance supporting a family and earning a living while maintaining commitment to their education and ambitions.

“Given a life filled with adversity and challenges, I find MacKenzie's perseverance commendable—even inspirational—and deserving of this scholarship,” Dr. La Rotta said.

Caron’s scholarship is named in honor of former longtime HCC Central Campus part-time Campus Manager and Vietnam War Veteran Edward Square, who for 19 years opened and closed the doors for the VNHV hosted on the Central Campus. Square passed away in September 2025.

The VNHV has held its school on Central Campus for 20 of its four decades.

“For almost every Sunday morning that we’ve been in session, Mr. Ed was the first to arrive and the last to leave,” Pham said. “Rain or shine, hot or cold, he was there for us – unlocking doors, preparing classrooms for learning, greeting teachers, parents and students.”

In awarding the scholarship to Caron, Pham said the student embodies the same dedication, humility and kindness that defined Square’s legacy.

“Mr. Ed’s quiet strength and unwavering devotion have certainly made a significant and lasting impact on many of us,” he said. “For his 19 years of service to VNHV, we will continue with this scholarship until 2044.”

Caron expressed her gratitude for the award.

“As a single mother and full-time student, this scholarship represents more than financial assistance,” she said.” It is an encouragement to continue pursuing my goals and a reminder that dedication does not go unnoticed.”