Isabella and Robert Valdes
Monsignor Edward Pace High School, Immaculate Conception Catholic School
Hialeah, FL

Miracles happen every day – and for Belinda Valdes, one of those miracles was the day she was awarded AAA Scholarships for her two children, Isabella and Robert.

The Valdes family is passionate about giving back to their community. Even at a young age, Belinda wanted her children to know the importance of helping those in need, because you never know if one day you’ll be the one in need. So, every Sunday, Belinda, her husband Roberto, and their two children, Isabella and Robert, wake up at 5:00 A.M to make sandwiches and hand them out to people around their community. This is just one example of their kindness and thoughtfulness. The Valdes family is known for always lending a hand.

On April 20, 2016, Belinda went about her day like any other. To her disbelief, this would be the day that would change her life forever. That night, her husband and children were fast asleep when Belinda decided to take a shower before heading to bed. Before she could step into the shower, she suddenly felt dizzy and had an excruciating pain in her right eye. She knew something serious was happening and immediately yelled for her husband. Roberto awoke in a panic and rushed his wife to the hospital. It was there Belinda found out she was having a brain aneurysm.

Goodbyes are tricky. When you tell a loved one goodbye, it is usually with the intention of seeing them again. However, when Belinda was told to call her loved ones and give them her final goodbye, she wasn’t sure how to react. Was this really goodbye? She was feeling fine hours ago? The doctor’s words were beginning to blur together. According to her doctor, Belinda was experiencing a severe brain aneurysm and would most likely not make it out of surgery alive, and in the slight chance that she did, she would be in a coma for three months. There was so much to take into consideration – the most important being her 7-year-old and a 15-year-old waiting for her patiently at home. She needed to take care of them; she needed to watch them grow. There were still so many things Belinda wanted to do, places to see, people to help. But she needed this surgery, and regardless of the outcome, she knew in her heart that everything would be ok. She gave her children one final call, and her husband one last kiss, and was wheeled to the operating room.

When Belinda woke up 12 hours later, she was certain her face matched the same surprised expression on the nurse’s face standing beside her. The nurse asked her a set of questions – what’s your name, what’s the color of this blanket, etc. Belinda could answer all of them without hesitation. It was a true miracle, one most people never witness. Belinda had defied all odds, and continued to do so when she left the hospital after only 11 days instead of the required 2-3 months. As Belinda began to settle in at home, she spent the majority of her time with her children asking them questions such as were they getting enough sleep, did they have any homework that they needed to finish, etc. Belinda couldn’t help but cry when they told her that they hadn’t slept for 11 days – the entire time she was in the hospital, and that Isabella had tried her best to keep up with the bills and chores around the house. Robert then grabbed his mom’s hand and asked, “How are we going to afford school?” It was such a simple question, but Belinda couldn’t find the words. With her being in recovery and her husband currently unemployed, there was no possible way they’d be able to continue to send their children to the private schools they were already attending. Belinda desperately wanted to be strong for her children, but it seemed as if her luck was running out. That is, until she was approached by one of her friends who asked her how everything was going post-surgery. When Belinda informed her about the financial struggles their family was currently facing, the woman smiled and said “have you heard about the AAA Scholarship Foundation? You should apply and see if you qualify.” Belinda applied and when she received the news that they qualified, she broke down in tears.

“I have tears in my eyes because of your organization helping me and my family,” says Belinda Valdes. “Thank you for giving us this opportunity.”

Now in 2018, Belinda can watch her children thrive academically from the front row. Being a part of the AAA Scholarship Foundation has only motivated Isabella and Robert to do the best they possibly can in school, and to never take their education for granted. “I tell them every day that whatever they choose to do in life, you must always remember who helped you,” says Belinda. At 17-years-old, Isabella is in all Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes, and her love for helping others inspired her to plan to pursue medicine after high school in hopes of becoming a pediatrician. Isabella doesn’t want to go into the medical field for the money, but to be able to travel the world and help children and families that do not have access to medicine. At 10-years-old, Robert may be tiny but he has big dreams, such as becoming President of the United States one day! “I want to give back to AAA someday,” says Robert Valdes. “I was really young when my mom had to have surgery, and I didn’t know how we were going to be able to afford school. I now appreciate everything that AAA has given us, and hope someday I can help people just like they helped me.”

Fighting back her emotions, Belinda cannot express enough how grateful she is for the AAA Scholarship Foundation, and how life-changing it was for her family. “I don’t have the words,” she says. “Thank you for helping me put my children through school. You don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, and you have to make the most of each day. I am very thankful for everyone that makes this organization possible.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 85 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 185 percent of poverty. Many children are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their child and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and the potential lifelong negative impact. They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by corporations that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. The AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations exclusively serving qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students through these tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

For a pdf of this spotlight, click here.

Dereck Sandoval
Little Flower School
Reno, NV

“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”
–Nathaniel Branden

This quote embodies Karla Martinez. Facing many challenges both emotionally and financially, she never gave up on her primary focus – ensuring her son Dereck receives a quality education. Not only has the AAA Scholarship Foundation made an impact on both of their lives, it was a true gift to their family in a time of need. “When times were hard, and it felt like every door was closed, the AAA Scholarship Foundation was there to remind me to remain hopeful, and to keep working hard as a single mother.”

15 years ago Karla Martinez made the bold decision to move from her home in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, all the way to Reno, Nevada. She knew she’d be leaving behind everything she’d ever known, but she was ready to broaden her horizons and see what more the world had to offer. Upon moving, Karla was able to land a job as a medical biller and coder and start a family. When her son Dereck was born, she immediately knew that she wanted to give him the world, and she would do anything to make that happen. Unfortunately, Dereck’s father was not on the same page. When Dereck was only in Kindergarten, and Karla was working long hours just to make ends meet, they were heartbroken to find out that Dereck’s father had left without even a warning. While this undoubtedly brought upon questions and tears, Karla stayed strong for her son and continued to put him first. From that moment, she knew it would be a long road ahead, but the love she had for her son made anything seem possible.

Dereck had been attending Little Flower School – a private school in Reno, Nevada. With her son’s education being her first priority, she wasn’t sure how she was going to manage to continue to send him there. Luckily, she had some money saved to get him through the first two years, but as that slowly disappeared, Karla was beginning to run out of options. Their family was already experiencing a tremendous amount of change, and the last thing Karla wanted to do was take away the school that she and Dereck loved.

Just as Karla was beginning to lose that last bit of hope, she came across the AAA Scholarship Foundation, and learned that they worked with families in Nevada. After researching and finding out that her family did qualify for a scholarship, Karla was overcome with joy. She could see that things were starting to look up for her, even when she thought there was no possible way.

Dereck is now in the fourth grade at his school of choice, and Karla can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Not only does Little Flower School have an excellent academic curriculum, but they also have capable and professional teachers who are constantly taking training courses to keep up with the new era of technology. Additionally, the school has a strict security system that gives parents a peace of mind regarding their children’s safety. The school is adamant about getting the parents involved in school activities and projects, and has become a safe haven for children like Dereck. Being at this school, Dereck has improved academically and socially. He is able to learn at a high speed, and can keep up with his fellow classmates. He has the confidence to ask questions, and be more involved in classroom conversation and activities. He enjoys science and basketball, and does not limit himself to trying something new. He’s even developed a love for acting and performing arts! Karla can see a great change in her son in comparison to how he was four years ago, and it all shows in just his smile.

“As a single mother, having the opportunity to be a part of the AAA Scholarship Foundation has impacted my life in so many ways,” says Karla Martinez. “Because of them, I was able to build a solid academic base for my son’s future. I just want to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support, we are so happy to be one of the scholarship families in Reno, Nevada. Thank you!”

 

 

About AAA Scholarship Foundation

The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 85 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 185 percent of poverty. Many children are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their child and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and the potential lifelong negative impact. They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by corporations that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. The AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations exclusively serving qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students through these tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

For a pdf of this student spotlight, click here.

Sofia Tabaniag
Calvary Chapel Christian School
Las Vegas, NV

 

The AAA Scholarship Foundation does so much more than provide economic assistance to low-income families. They give children, like Sofia Tabaniag, a chance. A chance to challenge themselves academically and a chance to flourish as both a student and as an individual. This scholarship gives children the chance to push themselves to do the best they possibly can, in all aspects of life. Now in the 3rd grade, and attending Calvary Chapel Christian School, Sofia has surpassed every expectation and hope her mother Iandell could have ever wished for – which was all made possible by the people and donors that work tirelessly to make this program possible.

Iandell Tabaniag grew up in Hawaii and attended a local public school alongside her siblings. While she received a proper education, she wished more scholarship opportunities were available to give her expanded educational options. When Iandell became a mother herself, one of her main priorities was to give her daughter, Sofia, the best education she could. Unfortunately, this meant Iandell would need to make some sacrifices. Hawaii would always be home to Iandell and her family, however there weren’t as many affordable school opportunities that she felt would be a good fit for her daughter. Iandell has family that lives in Nevada, and after many months of researching and seeking advice from her relatives, she made the bold decision to pack up and move across the country.

Iandell’s husband found work as a supply clerk for a medical facility, while she began serving as a teacher’s aide. However, they found out after moving that the Las Vegas public school Kindergarten programs offered were only part time and the quality of education their daughter would receive would not be the best. Iandell received a recommendation about a private Kindergarten program that they believed Sofia would thrive in at Calvary Chapel Christian School. When Iandell and Sofia visited the school, they were blown away by how welcoming the staff was to them.

Instructors were passionate about teaching and wanted their students to work together and rely on one another to make an impact on the world. The cost was much higher than Iandell and her husband had anticipated, but they worked tirelessly to make it work – making financial sacrifices and working with the private school to pay in installments to help keep up with the rest of their bills. The move alone was a challenge, but adding in other factors, such as Sofia’s education, was taking a toll on the Tabaniag family financially. Even with two incomes, their family was struggling to make ends meet.

As first grade was quickly approaching, Iandell needed options. She considered other options, including the local public school program, and while she was not opposed to it, she knew this would be one of the many hurdles her family would face. Even at a young age, Sofia demonstrated promising potential and Iandell felt that the only way this would continue would be to find a setting where she wouldn’t fall behind in a crowd of students. The Kindergarten program that Sofia was attending had informed Iandell about AAA Scholarship Foundation. Because her family met the household income requirements, she applied for a scholarship and was more than relieved to hear that they qualified. Iandell’s hopes and dreams for her daughter were slowly becoming a reality.

Fast-forward three years and Sofia is doing better than Iandell could have ever imagined. Not only has she found her “home away from home,” but she is being challenged academically in a healthy way. Now in the third grade, Sofia is learning and studying above grade level – while also maintaining A’s! She has improved in many subjects, including writing, reading comprehension and spelling. This year she has even learned cursive! The school pushes their students to step out of their comfort zones. For instance, the students are required to participate in a public speaking program called Speech Meet which helps teach them important skills that they will continue to use for the rest of their lives. Sofia has competed in her class, won first place, and will be competing in the District Speech Meet with other private school winners. The school also values the arts and participates in an art festival, in which Sofia’s artwork was recently chosen to compete among the other private school entrants. Because of the relationships Sofia has already built with her former teachers, she looks forward to moving up grade levels and meeting new teachers. Sofia has a true passion to learn, and Iandell knows this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without help from the AAA Scholarship Foundation.

“What word is there to even describe how grateful I am,” says Iandell Tabaniag. “This scholarship is the best thing to ever happen to our family. I remind Sofia every day to make the most of her work because her being able to attend this school is a blessing and not many children have this chance.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 85 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 185 percent of poverty. Many children are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their child and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and the potential lifelong negative impact. They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania by corporations that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a tax credit (dollar-for-dollar in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada, and up to 90 percent in Pennsylvania). The AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only approved Scholarship 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations exclusively serving qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students through these tax credit scholarship programs. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this spotlight.

Alex Vazquez
St. John Vianney Catholic School
Goodyear, AZ

 
Trying to navigate through school at any age is one thing – trying to navigate through school learning in both English and Spanish at only nine years old is another. For Elizabeth Vazquez, it was crucial for her son Alex to go to a school that was both accepting and nurturing of her son working in dual languages. With a tax credit scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation, Alex Vazquez now has the opportunity to change his life, starting with his education.

As a mother of three, Elizabeth Vazquez was hesitant to pack up her family’s life in Iowa and move across the country to Arizona. It helped that she had family awaiting their arrival; however, she knew this would be a much harder adjustment on her children than she wanted. Prior to moving, Elizabeth attended graduate school in hopes of becoming a teacher. Unfortunately, moving meant she had to postpone graduating to ensure that her children were adjusting well to their new home. This left her jobless, which affected her family both academically and financially. When picking the right school for her child, Elizabeth was limited. For Alex, she needed him to be in an environment that would challenge him in dual languages.

Elizabeth turned to her family for guidance. When expressing her concerns, her family told her about St. John Vianney Catholic School. Elizabeth felt excited that not only were close relatives already attending this school, but it also had everything she was looking for: attentive teachers and smaller classroom sizes where the students had more one-on-one time with their teachers. Upon visiting, she was also informed that the school was based around a “supporting as a whole” motto. They didn’t just want their students to succeed grade wise, but learn how to become good citizens during their time there as well. Elizabeth knew in her heart that this was the school where Alex, and hopefully her other children, would succeed, and she was going to do everything in her power to get him there. After weeks of research, she learned that she was eligible to apply for a scholarship for Alex.

The transition to a new school was difficult in the beginning, especially for Alex. Because dual language put him farther behind than his peers, both he and Elizabeth feared that he would not be able to catch up in time. This was a new school for him with different rules and regulations, and even though it was a priority for Alex to continue learning dual languages, there was a chance that the teachers would put their focus on teaching Alex in just English, when his primary language was Spanish.

Although not a dual language school, Elizabeth was surprised to find that the teachers at St. John Vianney were more than supportive of this request. Since starting, she has seen a tremendous improvement in her son both academically and socially. Now in the fourth grade, the teachers at St. John Vianney were able to get Alex above grade level with his studies, particularly in reading. Instead of feeling like an outsider, Alex has been taught to embrace his cultural background and to continue challenging himself. Once falling behind in his classes, Alex is now getting A’s and B’s on a regular basis, and Elizabeth can see an overall improvement just by the way he speaks. No longer timid, Alex is enthusiastic to learn. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support from his mother and the AAA Scholarship Foundation.

“I am extremely grateful for this scholarship and that it’s available to all different types of families,” says Elizabeth Vazquez. “The AAA Scholarship Foundation has enabled us to grow as a family, and let me take on the ability to go back to graduate school and become a teacher.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 85 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 185 percent of poverty. Many children are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their child and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and the potential lifelong negative impact. They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania by corporations that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a tax credit (dollar-for-dollar in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada, and up to 90 percent in Pennsylvania). The AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only approved Scholarship 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations exclusively serving qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students through these tax credit scholarship programs. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this Spotlight.

Dominque Smith
Young Americans Christian School
Conyers, GA

Dominque Smith started her life fighting to survive.  Weighing only three pounds at birth, the doctors told her mother, Cynthia Smith, that Dominque would likely not make it past her first birthday.  Dominque proved them wrong; the first of many milestones she would surpass with strength and determination fueled by her mother’s love.

Even with her continued health struggles, Dominque persevered and made it to elementary school.  Unfortunately, she began to encounter bullying from other classmates by the time she was in 4^th grade, which eventually trickled over and impacted her academic performance.  Despite her mother Cynthia’s best efforts, the bullying continued and Dominque’s grades declined along with her happiness.  The last straw was when Dominque fell at school and suffered a concussion, and Cynthia was not notified by school staff until much later in the day.  With Dominque’s wellbeing at risk and her spirit crushed, Cynthia knew that she had to do something to save her daughter from a potentially disastrous future.

In her quest to find the right academic environment for her daughter, Cynthia began to look into private schools in her area, although she knew as a single parent on a limited income the tuition would be a far stretch for her finances.  However, the staff at one of the schools told her about Georgia Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit Scholarships available through the AAA Scholarship Foundation and she was able to apply on Dominque’s behalf for the next school year.  The scholarship gave Cynthia the ability to find the right academic setting for her daughter and it has made all the difference in the world.

Over the past five years, Dominque has blossomed into an engaged student with a more positive outlook.  While she has still had some health struggles over the years, the encouraging support she has received at school has boosted her confidence and the impact is tremendous.  Her grades are soaring and she is stepping outside her comfort zone, including participating in activities like archery, drama and motivational speaking, as well as dance performances at her church.  A huge step for a young girl who once shied away from social activities.

Now in the 11^th grade at Young Americans Christian School in Conyers, Ga., Dominque is starting to look towards her future.  She is currently considering a future career in forensic science and is looking into colleges both near and far.

Despite the sacrifices she has had to make to ensure her daughter attends a school suited to her needs, Cynthia has no doubt that it is worth it.
“I drive 45 minutes each way every day to get my daughter to school,” she says.  “While many would think that is an inconvenience, I see it as a small sacrifice to pay to ensure my child is in an academic environment where she can really thrive.  A huge burden has been lifted off of me, both financially and emotionally.  I am truly grateful for the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors for making this opportunity possible for my family as well as so many others!”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students.  The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community.  More than 85 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 185 percent of poverty.  Many children are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they receive a scholarship.  Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options.  They seek an atmosphere that challenges their child and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and the potential lifelong negative impact.  They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania by corporations that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a tax credit (dollar-for-dollar in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada, and up to 90 percent in Pennsylvania).  The AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only approved Scholarship 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations exclusively serving qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students through these tax credit scholarship programs.  AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs.  For more information, or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this student spotlight.

The DeWitt Family
Cochise, AZ

Helen DeWitt and her husband Dale were only married three days when three children were dropped off at their home to be under their care. They would be the first of many children – both biological and otherwise – that the DeWitts would provide a home of love and stability. Over the years, they had four biological children; one adopted child that was raised from birth in their home; and of the many children they fostered, five of them they eventually adopted as well. Two of their most recently adopted children – Anthony and Isabell – remain with Helen today and are recipients of scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation. Both Anthony and Isabell had a rocky start in life, but with love and support from the DeWitts and the ability to learn in an environment suited to their needs, both children have been able to overcome their obstacles and thrive.

Anthony and Isabell, who are biological half siblings, both came into the DeWitt family’s lives through the foster care system. Isabell, the younger of the two, was only 18 months old the first time she was placed with Helen and Dale, and would go back and forth between their home and biological relatives over the years. Anthony was five years old when he first came to live with the DeWitts, after being bounced between five different foster homes in his short life. After years of instability, both children were officially adopted by the DeWitts when Anthony was 7 years old and Isabell was 5 years old. They had finally found their forever home and the means to heal the wounds caused by their rough start in life. The next few years would not be without challenges, but as a family unit, they worked through it together.

One of the many hurdles they faced was Anthony’s school environment. He had attended Kindergarten and first grade at the local public school, but when Helen learned of the bullying he was experiencing and related trouble it was causing, she pulled both him and Isabell out and opted to homeschool them instead. The two had experienced enough in their young lives and she did not want them to experience further trauma in a school environment that would further delay their progress. With no other options, Helen continued to homeschool both children throughout elementary school.

However, a couple of years ago, a new school opened – Cochise SDA Christian School in Bisbee, Arizona – and she learned that her children would be able to attend school there with assistance from the AAA Scholarship Foundation under the Lexie’s Law program, which provides scholarships for eligible displaced (foster care) and disabled students. Although having her children attend Cochise SDA meant that Helen would be making an hour long commute each way, she felt the benefits they would receive at the school would far outweigh the sacrifices the family would make. She was right. With its small class sizes and close-knit environment, Cochise helped them transition from home school and expand their academic skills, develop new interests and further their musical talents, something that both children had become passionate about when they began singing in their church choir at a young age.

Anthony graduated from eighth grade at Cochise SDA in 2016, and was able to continue on to high school at Thunderbird Adventist Academy in Scottsdale with the continued help from a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation. Due to the distance from his family home, Anthony dorms at the school and returns home once a month. Despite the separation from his family, Anthony continued to set his sights on success and take full advantage of the opportunities available to him at the school.

However, just as Anthony was starting his freshman year at Thunderbird and as Isabell was continuing on to eighth grade at Cochise SDA, the family encountered tragedy. Dale DeWitt, their adoptive father and the man who had raised them as his own alongside Helen, went into a coma following complications from back surgery. Sadly, he passed away in December 2016.

Losing their father took a toll out on both children. During her father’s final days, Isabell missed school and would spend hours reading and singing to him. Anthony fell behind in his studies as he worried about his father’s health and traveled back to be with his family during this difficult time. However, armed with the strength they provide each other, the family has been able to move forward and get back on track, taking it day by day.

Anthony is finishing up ninth grade at Thunderbird, which has provided him with new challenges and experiences to further his academic career. While his favorite subject is English and he continues his love of music through the school’s chorale program, he has also developed a wide range of other interests and is eager to explore all his options for the future. For example, he participated in a ride along with the Scottsdale Police Department, prompting him to consider pursuing a degree in criminal justice. He has also recently developed an interest in aviation, and hopes to participate in Thunderbird’s aviation program next year. And for the past few years, he has volunteered with a local television station in his hometown, gaining valuable experience in television production and peaking his interest in a possible future career. In addition to his busy schedule during the school year, he also works in the school cafeteria to assist his family financially.

Isabell continues to excel at Cochise SDA, where she has developed a strong interest in English and writing and has furthered her love of music and art. In her spare time, in addition to singing, writing and drawing, she enjoys helping others, perhaps something she learned from experiencing Helen and Dale’s giving spirits over the years. She regularly volunteers her time to help her neighbors with their animals and has also assisted with making quilts for charitable causes with her mom.

Both Anthony and Isabell had to overcome tremendous hurdles to get where they are today. They were faced with an uncertain future from the start, but Helen and Dale DeWitt gave them the opportunity to flourish in a loving and secure home. And with help from the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors, they have been given access to educational tools that will enable them to take several steps further on a path towards a promising future.

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 85 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 185 percent of poverty. Many children are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and care about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their child and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and the potential lifelong negative impact. They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania by corporations that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a tax credit (dollar-for-dollar in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada, and up to 90 percent in Pennsylvania). The AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only approved Scholarship 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations exclusively serving qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students through these Scholarship Tax Credit programs. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this spotlight story.

The Emery Family
Carson City, NV

When speaking with Melanie Emery about her children, she lights up and you can feel the enormous amount of love, pride and protection she has for them.  The three children she calls her “forever children” today were adopted through the foster care system – all of them siblings who were in need of a safe and nurturing home environment.  Melanie and her husband Nick have given them that – and so much more.

With no biological children of their own, Melanie and Nick felt called to become foster parents several years ago while residing in California.  They soon welcomed into their home a young pair of siblings, Neveah and Grace, who were only 2 and 1 years old at the time.  The sisters had a difficult start in life and were in need of love, security and extra care – all things that the Emerys were more than able and willing to provide.  Eighteen months later, the Emery family was overjoyed when the girls became their “forever daughters” after finalizing their adoption.  Eventually, a son named Josiah, Neveah and Grace’s biological baby brother, would join their family.

Shortly after they adopted Neveah and Grace, the family moved to Carson City, Nevada, where Nick began to serve as a senior pastor of a local church.  Although the girls were very young when they came to live with Melanie and Nick and were thriving in their care, they still carried some of the after effects from their previous life.   Realizing what an important role she would play in helping the children to overcome any scars from the past, Melanie devoted her time to caring for her children and ensuring their needs were met.  And as the girls grew older, those needs included making sure they were able to learn in a safe environment that would help them grow and reach their full potential.

Unfortunately, Melanie soon learned that the school they were zoned for was among the lowest performing schools in the area.  Their oldest daughter, Neveah, was scheduled to start Kindergarten that year and Melanie was worried that the environment would not be suited to her needs, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well given her history.  However, with seemingly no other choice, they decided to give the school a chance.  But when they brought Neveah to school on the first day of Kindergarten, they were shocked to learn that she had 37 children in her class – nearly double the amount of children in a typical or recommended class size for Kindergarten.  Melanie worried that she would digress in a class this large and that the teacher would not be able to give her the individualized attention she desperately needed.  Her worries became reality when, after only a few weeks in the class, Neveah began to feel overwhelmed, stressed and overstimulated at school.

Fearing the long-term negative impact this would have on Neveah’s progress, both in school and at home, Melanie and Nick knew they would need to make a change.  While searching for their options, they learned that their family qualified for the Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship Program through the AAA Scholarship Foundation, enabling them to choose a school environment that would meet their children’s learning needs and easing their financial worries.

With the help from the AAA Scholarship Foundation, the Emery family found the right academic setting for Neveah in a local private school, and eventually her younger sister Grace joined her there, also on a AAA scholarship.  With its smaller class sizes and family-like environment, the Emerys feel confident in the choice they have made in their children’s education.

“I love how the teachers and administrators know our daughters’ stories and background, and are able to offer the individualized attention and care that they need,” Melanie says.  “Our girls are thriving in an environment that provides them with the education they need to succeed, while reinforcing the morals and character qualities that we try to instill at home.”

Now in the second grade, Neveah is excelling – academically, socially and emotionally.  She is making all A’s in her classes and even taking piano lessons.  Grace, currently in the first grade, is also making all A’s in her classes and even reading above grade level and moving on to more advanced work.

The scholarships have eased the Emerys’ minds and helped them to be able to focus on their children, as well as their passion for helping others in the foster care system.  Going through the foster care and adoption process themselves, and recognizing the overwhelming need for children to have a voice, Melanie and Nick became volunteers with the Carson City area CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), an organization that provides trained volunteers to act as liaisons for the children involved in child welfare cases in the court system in an effort to get them the best possible help and outcome.

Seeing firsthand the positive outcome the right environment can have on a child – whether at home or at school – they are determined to make a difference for more children like their own.

“To make such a profound impact in just one child’s life, that makes it all worth it,” Melanie says.  “The AAA Scholarship Foundation and its amazing donors are making a huge difference for my family, and through these wonderful programs, corporations have the ability to help so many more families, from all walks of life and from various parts of our country.  The end result – better educated youth that grow into successful adults – benefits us all.”

 

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students.  The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community.  More than 85 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 185 percent of poverty.  Many children are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they receive a scholarship.  Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and care about their future, look for viable options.  They seek an atmosphere that challenges their child and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and the potential lifelong negative impact.  They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania by corporations that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a tax credit (dollar-for-dollar in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada, and up to 90 percent in Pennsylvania).  The AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only approved Scholarship 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations exclusively serving qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students through these Scholarship Tax Credit programs.  AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs.  For more information or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this spotlight story.

Ky’Mier Bowie
Fruitful Ground Christian Education Development Center
Montgomery, AL

We first introduced Ky’Mier Bowie to our donors and friends in a 2015 AAA Scholarship Foundation spotlight story.  At the time, Ky’Mier was a 10^th grader at Fruitful Ground Christian Education Development Center, a school that had helped him regain his confidence and get back on track with his education.  Today, he is a senior at the same school and working towards a promising future, thanks to the opportunities provided to him by the AAA Scholarship Foundation donors and his parent-selected school.
 
Ky’Mier is the only child of Kristie Davis, a single parent and teacher who works hard to provide for her family.  Although Ky’Mier had attended his local public school since Kindergarten, it was not until he reached 7^th grade that his mother began to notice drastic changes in both his behavior and academic performance.  He no longer liked school and, as his attitude declined, so did his grades.  When he began to get into physical altercations with other students, Kristie confronted him about it and learned that he was being bullied, almost on a daily basis.
 
“I will never forget the look on his face,” Kristie recalls.  “It was like his enthusiasm had died.  He had no drive and didn’t like school.  I knew then that I would do whatever it took to save my son from this disastrous path he was going down.”
 
Every day at work, Kristie was unable to concentrate as she worried about her son’s safety and emotional wellbeing at school, as well as the impact it was having on his education.  As a teacher herself, she was aware of education statistics in Alabama, where 71 percent of 4^th graders and 74 percent of 8^th graders perform below the proficient level in reading, and less than 16 percent of 8^th graders are proficient in math.  Furthermore, 32 percent of African American high school students in the state do not graduate on time[1].  She was determined to prevent her son from becoming another statistic.
 
Kristie worked with the teachers and administrators at his school to come up with a solution, but she soon came to the conclusion that Ky’Mier would do better in a different environment.  Her nephew was attending Fruitful Ground and she had heard wonderful things about his progress there, so she decided to visit the school and see if it would be a fit – and if she could afford it on her income as a public school pre-Kindergarten teacher.  After visiting the school and discussing Ky’Mier’s challenges with Annetta Tate, the principal at Fruitful Ground, she was certain the school would be the solution Ky’Mier needed.  She also soon learned that her family would qualify for a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation, making it possible to afford the tuition.
 
A lot has changed in the few years Ky’Mier has attended Fruitful Ground.  The supportive teachers and staff at the school have helped Ky’Mier regain his love of learning and, as a result, he is excelling.  At 18 years old, he has developed into an articulate young man with exceptional writing skills and a grateful heart.  He no longer dreads going to school out of fear of being bullied by other students.  And his low self-esteem has been replaced with a positive outlook on his future.
 
However, his road to success has not been without bumps.  Shortly after he began attending Fruitful Ground, he fell very ill and learned that he had type 1 diabetes.  Thankfully, the supportive network he and his mother have found both at Fruitful Ground and the medical community has helped him adjust to a new lifestyle that will keep him healthy and thriving.
 
With high school graduation quickly approaching, Ky’Mier has set his sights on his future endeavors.  To coincide with his passion for animals, he is considering pursuing a career in zoology or a related field.   He is actively looking into several colleges in Alabama and Florida and hopes to pursue higher education following graduation.  Eager to gain some real-life work experience, he is also working with the local career center to help him land a summer job prior to entering college.  As a backup plan, he has also considered following in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather and uncle and enrolling in the U.S. military.  Whichever path he takes, we are sure that he will conquer his goals and make his mother proud.
 
“I am so thankful to the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors for giving my son the opportunity to overcome his struggles in school and gain the knowledge and experience he will need to be a successful and productive member of our future generation,” says Kristie.  “I no longer worry about my son’s future and instead look forward to all the great things he will do with his life.  You have made that reality possible for my family and so many others.  Thank you!”
 

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students.  The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community.  More than 85 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 185 percent of poverty.  Many children are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they receive a scholarship.  Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and care about their future, look for viable options.  They seek an atmosphere that challenges their child and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and the potential lifelong negative impact.  They wish to change their child’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania by corporations that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a tax credit (dollar-for-dollar in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada, and up to 90 percent in Pennsylvania).  The AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only approved Scholarship 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations exclusively serving qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students through these Scholarship Tax Credit programs.  AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs.  For more information or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this spotlight story.

 

[1] Source: Kids Count Data Center. The Annie E. Casey Foundation. http://datacenter.kidscount.org/.