No matter your sexual orientation or your gender identity (LGBTQ+GNC) – we are all born into a world that fragments and confuses our identity, and we are all somewhere on this journey. Christine Daniels, formerly known as sports journalist Mike Penner, was a nationally-recognized writer for the Los Angeles Times. Her subsequent gender transformation was viewed as the most significant event in decades (LA Times, 26th April 2007). Christine also became a member of Founders MCC in March of 2007. She was much in demand for public interviews and speaking at national meetings. However public and personal pressures resulted in an emotional breakdown and led to her death on 27th November, 2009. Founders MCC held Christine’s memorial service on the Franklin Ave campus on 16th Jan. 2010.

Christine was highly motivated when lecturing on transgender issues to high school and college students. It is therefore most appropriate that Founders MCC gives awards befitting the legacy of Christine Daniels to our qualifying LGBTQ+GNC students. Starting in 2021, the awards were increased to $1,000 each.

Download the student application by clicking the button below. We must receive your completed application by 5pm July 10, 2026.