Page 18 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2026

PEOPLE
Building a Brighter Future for Herself and Her Children
Student Finds Success Thanks
to MGCCC and Lowe’s Foundation Scholarship
1. Whitney May
2. Whitney’s daughters Denise (7) and Paris (9)
3. Whitney’s son,
Ryder (3)
1. 2. 3.
story courtesy of MGCCC photos courtesy of Whitney May
When Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) celebrated its 2025 Lowe’s Foundation Scholarship recipients this fall, Construction Management Technology student Whitney May was among the 68 honorees recognized for their hard work and commitment to their futures. For May, a dedicated mother of three, including a son on the autism spectrum and a fourth “bonus child,” a niece
she lovingly considers her own, this scholarship represents far more than financial support. It symbolizes possibility.
A graduate of a Women in Construction program, May found her passion for building early. “I love working with my hands,” she said. “I’ve always gravitated to environments like infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial work. As
a single mom, creating a stable future for my kids is my number one priority and these fields definitely provide that.” Her hands-on training, OSHA 10 certification, forklift credentials, and natural leadership skills made Construction Management Technology a perfect fit.
But the path hasn’t always been
easy. May works full time at a poultry processing plant in Hammond, Louisiana, waking at 3 a.m. to make the hour-long
commute. She returns home by mid- afternoon to greet her daughters, cook dinner, help with homework, and begin her own coursework as a full-time online student. “God keeps me grounded, and I’m blessed with an amazing village,” she said. “Some days are tough, but my babies and knowing they’re counting on me keeps me going.”
Halfway through the semester, exhaustion nearly led her to walk away. “I was overwhelmed. Everything felt new and the online format was challenging,” she admitted. But after meeting with her instructor to regroup, her outlook shifted. Encouragement, prayer, and renewed clarity helped her push forward, and today, she’s maintaining straight A’s.
Her instructor, Shad Jeanfreau, said
he never doubted she had what it takes. “Whitney showed tremendous resilience from day one,” Jeanfreau said. “She came to me at a breaking point, but I could see her potential clearly. Once she realized she wasn’t alone and that we were here to support her, she reignited that drive. She’s exactly the kind of student who will thrive in this field.”
The Lowe’s Foundation scholarship also played a meaningful role in Whitney’s turnaround. With the support, she was
able to purchase a reliable laptop, which is an essential tool for succeeding in her virtual coursework.
“Whitney’s determination to build
a better life for her family reflects the perseverance we see from so many aspiring tradespeople across the country,” said Betsy Conway, Lowe’s Foundation director. “This is why we set out to lead a skilled trades movement and are proud to support her journey forward.”
May’s favorite class so far is Plans & Documentation Interpretation, which has sparked her excitement for blueprint reading and detailed construction planning. She anticipates graduating in May 2027 and hopes to pursue a career in safety management, with dreams of continuing her education at USM or LSU.
Her message for others trying to balance work, life, and school: “It’s not easy, but it can be done. Prioritize your education. It will take you further in the long run.”
And for her children, she hopes her journey teaches one lesson above all: “You can do anything if you want it badly enough. Don’t stop at the first bump in the road; keep going.”
18 | January 2026
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