<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/news/2025/commencement-spotlight-Alona.aspx" dsn="blogs"><featured>true</featured><pubDate>12/10/2025 05:13:18 PM</pubDate><title>Commencement Spotlight: Alona Powell's Inspiring Journey</title><description>Alona Powell turned financial challenges into opportunity by transferring from Auburn University to Lawson State Community College. Her inspiring journey led to scholarships, leadership experiences, and a renewed sense of purpose as she prepares to continue her political science studies at Mississippi State University. </description><author/><image><img src="https://www.lawsonstate.edu/_resources/assets/img/News/alona-powell.webp" alt="A girl wearing christmas hat and standing near christmas tree"/></image></item>