The Guerrero Family
Havana, Florida

“If I were to tell my younger self how much of an impact the scholarship had on changing my life for the better, I would be in shock,” says Krystal Guerrero, an 11th-grade student at Robert F. Munroe School in Havana, Fla., and a third-year Florida Tax Credit scholarship recipient from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA).

Many of our readers may be familiar with Krystal and her family from a spotlight story in 2019, not long after receiving their AAA scholarships. Krystal is the eldest daughter of Juan and Jelen Guerrero and the big sister to Paola, Genesis and Juan Jr. Juan and Jelen are hard-working parents determined to provide their children with opportunities they did not have growing up, including a solid educational foundation. Juan began working at the young age of 14 to help his parents financially, and neither he nor Jelen was able to finish high school. When they had children of their own, they wanted to make sure that their own children would have the chance to build promising futures no matter what sacrifices they had to make.

From a young age, Krystal had a strong desire to succeed. However, coming from a primarily Spanish-speaking household, Krystal faced challenges in elementary school as she tried to grasp the subject matter coupled with the language barrier she faced in her daily interactions with teachers and peers. Even when the Guerreros transferred Krystal to a different public school, she continued to face obstacles and was not receiving the help she needed. And although she was struggling herself, she felt responsible for making sure her younger siblings were getting the help they needed. Unable to keep her head above water, she fell further behind in school.

Worried about their daughter’s wellbeing and future, as well as that of her siblings, Juan and Jelen searched for a school that would be better suited to their children’s learning needs. They found everything they were looking for in Robert F. Munroe Day School – dedicated teachers who share their love of learning with each student, a family-like atmosphere, and an array of classes, after-school clubs and extracurricular activities to help prepare students for higher learning and inspire them to become productive, engaged members of the community. Additionally, through the school, the Guerreros discovered that their children would qualify for a Florida Tax Credit Scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation. With an approval letter from AAA in hand, and the financial barriers lifted, the Guerreros began their journey at Munroe Day School during the 2018-19 school year, setting them on a path that would lead to remarkable changes for their whole family.

From the time Krystal entered Munroe Day School, she received the help she needed as the teachers not only encouraged her to fulfill her potential but also provided her with the tools and confidence to set goals for herself. Now in the 11th grade, she is dual-enrolled at Tallahassee Community College and working towards earning her associate degree. She loves the challenge of taking college-level courses while in high school, especially her literature class, where she gets to practice her love of reading and writing. As she thinks about her future after high school, she has a strong calling to pursue a career in the medical field and plans to obtain a degree in nursing. She hopes to attend the University of Florida or even a college out of state.

“I want to help others,” Krystal says as to her reason for choosing this career field. “I feel in my heart the need to be there for people.”

Aside from her dedication to her academic work, Krystal has become involved in the extracurricular activities and clubs offered at Munroe Day School over the years – such as volleyball and Anchor Club, a youth service organization that helps students give back to their communities through volunteer work.

Krystal’s younger siblings have also grown by leaps and bounds at their parent-selected school. Paola, who is now in the 8th grade, is doing well in her classes and even won the Heart of a Bobcat award from school. She has also joined the junior Anchor Club this year and hopes to run for club president, something she accredits to the school and the AAA Scholarship.

“We wouldn’t have been able to come to this amazing school if it weren’t for the donors and the scholarship,” says Paola. “I am willing to run for president of a club. Never would I have gotten the confidence to do that at my old school.”

Genesis, the youngest sister in the Guerrero family, is now in fourth grade and consistently brings home A’s and B’s and has found a love of learning and plenty of friendships at school. Juan Jr., the youngest of the Guerrero siblings, was able to begin his educational journey on the right track at Munroe Day School and is now enjoying each day of his first-grade class. He comes home excited about his day with plenty of stories to tell.

The family’s experience has also led to new opportunities for Juan and Jelen. For years, Juan worked long hours in the scorching heat as a construction worker to provide for his family, while Jelen was a stay-at-home mother tending to the needs of their four children. Recently, job opportunities became available at Robert F. Munroe Day School for both Juan and Jelen, allowing them to be involved in their children’s everyday lives while continuing to support the financial needs of their family. Juan now does maintenance for the school while Jelen works as a custodian. They also drive the school van to assist students with transportation to and from the school.

“My Dad has always been a hard worker,” says Krystal. However, she says that his old job in construction required him to have long hours away from their family. Now she enjoys seeing him in the hallways at school, and most of all, seeing how the change in careers has had such a positive impact on her family. “It’s amazing and the best part for me is that he is more present in my life than he used to be. He smiles more, he jokes around more – he’s finally happy.”

Krystal credits the scholarship program and her school for the tremendous impact it has not only had on her and her siblings’ education but their family life.

“Thanks to the AAA Scholarship, I can actually picture my future – and my siblings’ future – and I know life will be good,” says Krystal. “AAA and its donors have opened doors for us – doors we never knew existed. We are beyond grateful!”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first 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 children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized 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 company 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 copy of this student spotlight.

 

Maya Macias
Phoenix, Arizona

U.S. Army Veteran Robert Macias and his wife Lydia have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of three children, including two adult sons and their daughter, 12-year-old Maya Macias.  Although Maya was always a good student behavior-wise, a move to a new state coupled with a learning environment that fell short of engaging and challenging her, the Macias family found themselves searching for educational options for their daughter.  A tax credit scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) made it possible for her to attend a school where she could increase her academic performance and grow her self-confidence, enabling her to become an engaged and ambitious student.

The Macias family moved from California to Phoenix several years ago and Maya enrolled in her local public elementary school.  The oldest two Macias children had attended public elementary and middle school in California with no issues, so Robert and Lydia assumed that Maya would be getting the same level of education as her brothers in their new community.  But they soon learned that not every school is suited to meet the needs of every child.

At first, it appeared that Maya was doing well in her new school.  However, the move from California to Arizona had been a hard adjustment for her and she became shy and introverted, especially in school.  Because Maya was not disruptive like some of her other classmates, the teachers regularly reported on her good behavior in class and Robert and Lydia were under the impression that she was continuing to develop the academic skills she would need to further her education.  Unfortunately, they soon learned that she was falling behind in math and reading and not performing at the top of her capabilities.

“As we began to look into ways we could help, it became clear that Maya needed to be in a school that would help her open up and become more engaged in learning, and even challenge her,” says Robert.

While researching options in their area, they found St. Jerome Catholic School.  They loved the community-like feeling and challenging academic programs that the school offered and felt that it would be a good fit for Maya.  However, being able to afford the tuition presented a challenge for the family.  Thankfully, the school connected them with AAA and they were able to receive a scholarship for Maya to attend the school, easing their financial burden and giving them hope for their daughter’s future.

Maya began attending St. Jerome in the fifth grade, and the teachers worked with her one-on-one to catch up academically.  The school’s family-like environment made Maya feel more comfortable in her surroundings and as her self-confidence grew, she became less shy and blossomed both in and outside of the classroom, even getting involved in sports activities such as softball and swim team.

Now in the sixth grade, Maya’s parents can see a significant change in their daughter – both at school and at home.

“Maya has become a much more confident student,” says Lydia.  “The knowledge she comes home with daily fortifies that the decision we made to put her in a private school was the right one.”

Even when faced with challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic – including Robert being furloughed from his job for several months in 2020 – the family had a peace of mind knowing that they could keep Maya in a school she loves.

“There are not enough words of appreciation that we can express to the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors for the profound impact this scholarship has had on our daughter and us,” says Robert.   “We thank you for helping Maya be the best person she can be, while learning in a safe environment that is preparing her for the future.”

“You have given our daughter not only academic confidence but self-confidence,” Lydia adds.  “She sees herself making strides and achieving goals and that is something that was made possible by you.  I encourage companies to continue to support these scholarships because there are a lot of families out there who desperately need the help for their children.  You really are making a big difference in our lives and for so many others.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation

AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first 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 children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

 AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized 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 company 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 copy of this spotlight.

Julian Loreto
Arizona

2020 was a challenging year for many, including children, who had their whole world turned upside down and had to adapt to new ways of learning through virtual platforms and new restrictions for in-person schooling.  For Julian Loreto, who began Kindergarten in the midst of the pandemic while simultaneously dealing with the heartbreak of losing a loved one, this past year was especially difficult.  However, the glimmer of hope was the support he found at his parent-selected school, made possible by a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation.

Julian’s mom, Roxanna, the oldest of six children, grew up in a less privileged community, where her father was the sole financial provider and access to educational options were limited.  However, the importance of education was a focal point in their family and through hard work and determination, she became the first person in her family to attend and graduate from college.  After earning her degree in criminal justice, Roxanna worked for several years in the juvenile courts helping families with adoptions.

A fulfilling career was not the only life goal Roxanna had set for herself; she also had a strong desire to become a mother, a path that would not be easy.  After several miscarriages, Roxanna became pregnant with Julian, only to encounter more obstacles, including the end of her relationship with Julian’s father and a car accident that left her on bed rest. And then when Julian, who Roxanna calls her “firework,” was born on the Fourth of July, he needed to stay in the NICU for a week due to some complications.  Roxanna vowed to do everything she could to provide a good life for her son once they made it through this tumultuous time.

Thankfully, Julian made it out of the NICU and Roxanna has worked tirelessly to keep her promise since then.  When it came time for Julian to start Kindergarten, Roxanna knew how important it was for her to find the right academic setting, even if it meant making additional sacrifices.  Around this same time, a job change led her to a position at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School (OMOS) and she saw firsthand how the school would be a perfect fit for Julian.  It was also through OMOS that she learned she would qualify for an AAA scholarship, enabling her to afford the school tuition.

“I felt as a single parent with a limited income, my son’s education should not be limited,” says Roxanna.  “The AAA scholarship allowed my son to have access to the very best education, giving him the tools that will help him achieve academically and lead him to be a happy, successful person.”
Unfortunately, right as Julian was beginning Kindergarten at OMOS in August 2020, tragedy struck.  Roxanna’s father Jose passed away unexpectedly due to arterial plague.  Jose was more than a grandfather to Julian; he served as a father figure and often spent time taking him fishing and teaching him how to fix cars.  The family was beyond heartbroken and Roxanna worried how her father’s passing would impact Julian after an already tough year.  Fortunately, the staff at OMOS took Roxanna and Julian in and cared for them during their time of need, giving them the peace and security they needed after their loss.

“In the world we currently live in, having Julian attend OMOS has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for my son,” Roxanna says.  “I have seen firsthand the behind-the-scenes heroic acts the staff and faculty have done.  During the uncertainty of the pandemic, OMOS has kept the students’ health, academics and knowledge at the forefront.”

Despite all the challenges Julian has faced this year, he is off to a great start in school thanks to the caring staff and advanced curriculum at OMOS.  He loves math and looks forward to homework each day so that he can show off his newly acquired skills.

“The world is always changing, but what doesn’t change is the importance of education,” says Roxanna.  “I hope Julian continues to further his education and is inspired to be the best he can be, while fulfilling his inner strengths and contributing to this changing world.”

While Julian’s positive attitude and determination will undoubtedly help him succeed, Roxanna acknowledges how those who have stepped up to help are playing a crucial role in his achievements.

“Students are able to succeed thanks to the supporters who surround them, such as parents, relatives, teachers, counselors and mentors,” says Roxanna.  “Support also comes in the form of organizations, foundations and individuals who wield their influence and passion to advocate for students on a broader scale.  It is the kind of work that the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its partners are involved in – seeking to make future success possible for all students.  While power comes in numbers, even one supporter can make a life-changing impact on a student.  As a parent and an employee of a school that sees firsthand the impact of these scholarships, I extend my sincere gratitude!”

 

About AAA Scholarship Foundation

AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first 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 children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.  

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized 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 company 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.

Gabriel Lozada Giannini
Montessori School of Fort Myers
Fort Myers, FL

The first day of Kindergarten is an important milestone for any parent, as their child begins their educational journey.  However, much of the excitement can turn to stress and uncertainty when a global pandemic and school closures are added to the mix.  Such was the case for Fiorella Giannini and her young son Gabriel, a first year AAA Scholarship recipient. 

Fiorella emigrated from Peru six years ago, in search of expanded opportunities and a better future for her family, which includes her daughter Kiara (now 18), and her son Gabriel (now 5), who was born shortly after the family came to the U.S. 

“As a family of first-generation immigrants in the United States, it has been a big challenge to follow our dreams, but we are really happy to have been adopted by this country and we want to be people who bring positivity to our community,” says Fiorella. 

For Fiorella, she knew the path to success for her children meant ensuring that they receive a good education.  Kiara, who is currently in the 12^th grade, attended public school, and Fiorella planned to send Gabriel to their local neighborhood school as well.  However, the Covid-19 pandemic affected many things, including education, as many schools shifted to teach virtually and adapted many restrictions for in-person learning.  Although nervous to have Gabriel start Kindergarten during this unprecedented time, Fiorella knew his education was important for his academic and social growth, while also providing some type of normalcy. 

However, a short time after Gabriel started Kindergarten, Fiorella saw his confidence dwindling as he struggled in school and became frustrated because he was not comprehending the subject matter.  Realizing that he needed a more individualized environment, Fiorella explored her options and came across the AAA Scholarship Foundation, which would enable her to find the right academic setting for Gabriel.  Once approved for the scholarship, she found the right fit for Gabriel at the Montessori School of Fort Myers. 

Upon enrolling in the school, Gabriel’s teacher Miss Wendy made an individualized learning plan for him to help him reach his goals.  The Montessori School uses what is called “PEACEFUL” principles to provide an individualized approach to nurture each child’s love of learning, with a goal to shape independent, confident and out-of-the-box thinkers.  This academic environment combined with Fiorella’s willingness to work with her son and his teacher, has helped put Gabriel on the right path. 

“Gabriel is a boy who is very active, curious and free,” says Fiorella.  “And the help from AAA has permitted him to access an education where they incentivize him and help him to be independent and confident and to learn in an environment of peace and integrity.” 

While he has only been at the Montessori school a short time, Gabriel is already showing improvement in his work and communication.  His happy demeanor and confidence have also returned.  As a result, Fiorella’s mind is at ease knowing that she made the right academic choice for her child. She is grateful to the school for meeting her son’s needs and to the AAA Scholarship Program for making it possible. 

“They are helping him to become a person who will accomplish his goals while having his capabilities, dreams and feelings in mind,” says Fiorella.  “I thank everyone who donates to this organization – your generosity allows families like ours to raise kids that with no doubt will be men and women who will generate good actions to our community and this country.” 
 

About AAA Scholarship Foundation

AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first 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 children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.  

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized 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 company 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.

Dane and Vivianna Valenti
Nevada

When Mark and Nicole Valenti married and blended their families together, eventually becoming a family of seven, they agreed that their children’s education would take a top priority. And, for a time, their finances allowed them to choose the learning environment that would help foster their children’s development. However, a significant loss of income, and the extra blow from a global pandemic, threw them off course. While they worked to pick up the pieces, scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation helped to bridge a gap to ensure their children’s education was not interrupted.

With three children between them when they married, Mark and Nicole already knew the importance of ensuring their children had a solid educational foundation. So, when they had two children together – Dane and Vivianna – the Valentis wanted to make sure their youngest children were given the same start. Initially, Mark’s job enabled them to afford the tuition at a local private school and the children were thriving. However, Mark, who was the primary financial provider for the Valenti family, unexpectedly lost his job as a consultant, while an illness prevented Nicole from working more than part-time hours. Partial scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation enabled them to keep the children at the school, but then the Covid-19 pandemic hit, further crippling the family’s finances.

Loans from family members helped the Valentis cover living expenses for the time being, but they were at a crossroads on how they would continue to afford their children’s school tuition. They feared further disrupting Dane and Vivianna’s lives by pulling them from not only a school they knew and loved, but also the resources that Vivianna was receiving due to her Individual Education Plan (IEP) for reading comprehension. Thankfully, they received continued scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation during this time, eventually meeting the criteria for full AAA scholarships, making it possible for Dane and Vivianna to stay at their parent-selected school.

“Like many other families in the midst of this pandemic, we had an incredible amount of stress and pressure just to keep our family afloat financially,” says Nicole Valenti. “AAA Scholarships helped to alleviate our fears of having to take our children out of an environment where they were flourishing.”

The ability to attend a school of choice has enabled Vivianna and Dane to develop academically (they are both straight A students) and take full advantage of the educational resources and extracurricular activities available, such as speech and debate teams and art competitions, as well as giving back to their community through volunteer work. Although Covid-19 shutdowns suspended most sports activities they were involved in, both Dane and Vivianna previously excelled in sports as well, with Dane playing competitive soccer on a club-level team and Vivianna previously winning title of female athlete of the year and serving as the only female on the flag football team.

This school year, Vivianna, now in 6th grade, and Dane, now in 7th grade, have continued on to Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School in Las Vegas, where they both continue to grow academically and build upon their skills for the future. Vivianna has served as a school ambassador and loves English and writing thanks to the help she has received in the subject area. She talks about one day being a zoologist or dermatologist, but also has a creative side that leaves the door open for other career paths. Dane is involved in the broadcasting program at the school, inspiring him to possibly combine it with his love of sports and become a sports broadcaster one day. He also aspires to be a professional soccer player as well. With the solid foundation they are building, we are confident both children will accomplish any goals they set forth for themselves.

Nicole and Mark are incredibly thankful to those that make the scholarship program possible, providing assistance for families when they need it most. It is their hope that once they can recover financially and no longer need the scholarships that they can then pay it forward and help more children receive these same opportunities.

“To the donors and supporters of the AAA Scholarship Foundation – words cannot express the gratitude, as parents, that we feel towards your kindness,” says Mark Valenti. “We are forever grateful for your generosity. You should be proud of the help you are giving families such as ours and the opportunities you are giving to so many children through these scholarships.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first 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 children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized 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 company 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

Dekendrick Wilson
2020 Graduate
Fort Lauderdale, FL

2020 was a year full of challenges for many, but for Dekendrick Wilson, the silver lining was completing high school and receiving his diploma – a significant milestone that was made possible by his determination and an AAA scholarship that enabled him to attend a school that put him on a path to success.

Dekendrick attended public school through elementary and middle school, but over the years his grades began to decline and his grade point average (GPA) dropped to a 1.9 by his 10th grade year.

“I was overwhelmed, but I wasn’t sure how to get help,” says Dekendrick. “There were a lot of kids in my classes and I was not able to get the one-on-one attention I needed.”

Dekendrick and his mom, Toni Grant, knew changes needed to be made, but were unsure of their options. Dekendrick has five other biological siblings and lives with his single mom; private school appeared to be out of reach financially. However, a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation opened up a world of opportunity and Dekendrick was able to enroll in JAM Preparatory Academy of Excellence during his 11th grade year.

Founded in 2016, JAM Preparatory Academy focuses on individualized learning with one-on-one support to either remediate student skills if deficient or enrich students working on and above grade level. The school focuses on kinesthetic learning, where students learn through hands-on experiences, technology and industry professionals. JAM also implements a gradual release model, which allows students to see models and examples of what they are expected to learn.

With the individualized attention he received from his teachers at JAM Prep, Dekendrick was able to really focus on his work and his grades began to improve. By the time he reached his senior year, he had brought his GPA up from a 1.9 to above a 3.0.

“Attending JAM Prep helped me completely change my mindset because my teachers believed in me and gave me the confidence to try my best,” says Dekendrick. “They taught me that in order to accomplish something, you have to work hard and work smart. They taught me how to set goals for myself.”

Dekendrick’s perseverance and hard work stood out to the staff at JAM Prep as well, as he began to excel both in and out of the classroom.

“Dekendrick’s school performance, motivation and work ethic not only improved, but catapulted to the next level while at JAM Preparatory Academy of Excellence,” says Dr. Martine Joseph-Johnson, principal of the school. “The academic support provided by the staff gave him what he needed to excel beyond his expectations. The athletic program gave him the confidence needed to literally score the winning touchdown at South Florida’s annual private versus public school football tournament. His work ethic became more evident in school, during his community service as well as on the football field.”

With nearly 25 percent of students at JAM Prep receiving an AAA scholarship, and still more receiving other forms of financial assistance, Dr. Joseph-Johnson has seen firsthand the tremendous impact that educational options have on students like Dekendrick. “The AAA Scholarship program has lifted the burden off several families at our school, allowing them to overcome the financial struggles of paying for a private education and smaller learning environments,” she says.

Like most of the students in our country, the Covid-19 pandemic greatly impacted Dekendrick’s senior year. Traditional festivities at his school – like prom and the senior picnic – were cancelled. But learning continued – albeit virtually – and Dekendrick proudly received his high school diploma in the Spring of 2020 and even earned a full scholarship to attend Miles College in Birmingham, Ala.

While the Covid-19 pandemic also caused him to delay his plans to attend college immediately, Dekendrick is utilizing his time at home to gain some valuable work experience and save up some money. He hopes to begin college in the spring of 2021, even if that means taking online courses. When asked about his goals for the next five years, Dekendrick has his sights set high. He wants to master the stock market, pursue a career in the business field and perhaps even dabble in real estate.

When asked what he would say to the donors who make the scholarship program possible, Dekendrick says, “I am honored and truly appreciative of the opportunities they gave me. And I would encourage companies to continue to support these scholarships so you can help other kids like me. In doing so, you are helping them change their mindset, helping them to believe in themselves and making it possible for them to change their future.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first 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 children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.

AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized 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 company 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 version of this Student Spotlight.

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The Dixon Family
Henderson, NV

“If you change one child’s life, you have the potential to impact multiple generations,” says Debbie Dixon, a mother of four – all of whom have benefitted from the AAA Scholarship Foundation over the past few years.  The Dixon family is no stranger to the challenges life has thrown their way, but Debbie is confident that the education her children have been able to receive has been a saving grace.

Debbie and her husband Bryan have been married for 22 years, working hard to provide a stable environment for their growing family, which today includes four children – Alena (19), Emeline (16), Lillian (13) and Isaac (8).  Originally from Ohio, the family relocated to Nevada in 2005, when their oldest, Alena, was just starting school.  Both Debbie and Bryan had attended public schools themselves and had every intention of enrolling their daughter in their new neighborhood school.  However, Debbie was shocked to learn that the school they were zoned to attend was overcrowded and that half of the children in Alena’s class were performing below grade level.  Because Alena was on track academically, the harsh truth was that it was unlikely that her learning needs would be met due to so many other students that would need help just to stay afloat.

Fearing that Alena would get lost in this type of environment, Debbie and Bryan decided to send Alena to a local private school, American Heritage Academy, in Henderson. American Heritage Academy provides a low student-to-teacher ratio and a top-notch education, with students from the school consistently testing in the top 10 percent of the nation academically.  Aside from academics, the Dixons liked that the school also focuses on equipping students with leadership skills and inspiring them to become good stewards of their communities.  At the time, Bryan had his own tax service business, and the family could afford the private school tuition for Alena and eventually her younger sisters, Emeline and Lillian.  The school was a wonderful fit and the children were thriving.

However, the family encountered a big hurdle when Debbie was pregnant with her fourth child.  She had major complications during the pregnancy, and doctors even told her that she might need to terminate because her own life was at risk.  After 35 weeks of pregnancy, which included 56 days in the intensive care unit, a healthy baby boy named Isaac was born and only had to spend a minimal amount of time in the NICU.  Debbie, however, had a tough road ahead, undergoing five more surgeries over the next few years.

During this time, Bryan had to take time off from work to care for his four young children as Debbie continued to fight health battles.  Medical bills piled up, as their finances dwindled.  Bryan eventually had to close his business and find a job elsewhere that would provide the family with more substantial healthcare coverage.

With finances tight, it became clear that they would no longer be able to afford to send their children to American Heritage Academy.  However, a glimmer of hope appeared when they learned about the scholarships available from AAA Scholarship Foundation.

“I thought we were going to lose it all,” says Debbie. “Our family had been through so much already. The thought of taking them out of a school that had been their constant stability through all this turmoil crushed me.  But when we received the scholarships from AAA, a huge burden was lifted and I knew my kids were going to be okay.”

Now a few years since receiving the AAA Scholarships, the Dixon children are doing more than okay.  Alena, 19, graduated as salutatorian from American Heritage Academy in 2018 and is currently studying to be a speech pathologist at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, which she is attending on an academic scholarship.  Emeline, 16, has also excelled in school and sports, even earning a scholarship for a club volleyball team.  She is especially gifted in math, and also placed first in the local 2019 Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Contest, an accomplishment she accredits to the school’s well-rounded academic programs that include a focus on leadership and patriotism skills.  Her love of volleyball initiated her transition over to the local public high school, where she is on the varsity volleyball team and is participating in the dual-enrollment program at the local college, thanks to the solid educational foundation she received at American Heritage.

The youngest of the Dixon children continue to thrive at American Heritage.  Lillian, 13, is now in the eighth grade and has developed a love for history and theater.  Isaac, 8, who was already reading Shakespeare in his third-grade class, has become a top performer academically. His recent standardized test indicates that he is performing higher than 75 percent of students nationally in his grade overall, and 99 percent higher than others in math.  He has also enjoyed learning to play the piano.

No doubt, Debbie and Bryan are proud parents for all that their children have accomplished thus far.  And they are grateful that their family was given a helping hand during some of the most trying times in their lives.

“I cannot put into words what this scholarship program means to us,” says Debbie.  “We realize what a gift it is to have these scholarships available for our family when we needed it the most.  Because of the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors, my children see that there is good in this world and people who care.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation

The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and 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 80 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 200 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 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.

Click here for a pdf of this student spotlight.

Jenna and Michael English
Miami, FL

A big believer in the importance of education, Karin Wilborn-English was grateful that she and her husband, Michael English, were able to afford to send their two children to the schools that would help them build a solid foundation for their futures.  But when the family encountered financial trouble a few years ago, it impacted all areas of their lives and put the children’s education in jeopardy.  However, through unwavering determination, and with the help from the AAA Scholarship Foundation, Karin and Michael were able to keep their family on a steady path.

Jenna, the oldest of the English children, has been academically gifted from a young age.  As an October baby, she was slated to start kindergarten later since she would not turn five years old until after the September cut-off date.  However, while only in pre-K, Jenna was already outperforming her peers and able to read from a young age.  As a result, the school and Jenna’s parents agreed that she was ready to start kindergarten early.  Over the years, Jenna continued to excel and the family was financially stable enough for her to attend a local private school that both engaged and challenged her.  Her younger brother, Michael, soon joined her in school and excelled as well.  By the time they reached middle school, both were doing very well academically and had found a love of sports – volleyball for Jenna and basketball for Michael.

However, the summer before Jenna was going to enter her freshman year of high school, the family hit a roadblock.  For years, Karin’s husband Michael had worked in a family business with his stepfather providing mechanical engineering services to hospitals.  His stepfather ran the business side, while he enjoyed providing the service work to their clients.  Unfortunately, his stepfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had to step down from the company, leaving him with the responsibility of trying to keep the business afloat on his own.  The business dwindled down and the English family took a big financial loss.  This put a strain on every aspect of their lives as their everyday expenses snowballed and debts piled up.

With no immediate relief in sight, they had to re-evaluate their expenses to see where they could cut down on bills in order to keep the family afloat.  Through all of this, their primary goal was to keep the kids steady and on a straight path, which included their education.  However, affording to keep both children at their private schools was becoming more and more like an impossible dream.  Karin feared that with all that the family was going through, changing the children’s school environment – especially during the influential middle and high school years – would put them at risk for a downward spiral.

“I was scared,” says Karin.  “You know, sometimes when things become unstable at home, that is when trouble can start.  With everything we were going through as a family, I did not want my children to get off on the wrong path.”

Determined to explore every avenue possible to avoid disrupting her children’s education, Karin visited Jenna’s school to find out what options they had and even asked if she could work there to help pay for tuition.  Through her efforts, she learned about the AAA Scholarship Foundation.  She immediately applied and was overcome with emotion after learning that both Jenna and Michael would receive scholarships to attend their parent-selected schools.

That year, Jenna entered her ninth-grade year at St. Brendan High School in Miami.  Not only did she continue to shine academically, but she also became the youngest student to make the varsity volleyball team at the school that year.  Throughout high school she continued to maintain A’s and B’s, even taking on the challenge of college-level courses during her 10th-grade year while maintaining her spot on the varsity volleyball team.  Jenna was even able to join a travel volleyball team and would write essays to secure financial aid to assist with expenses.  In the spring of 2019, Jenna proudly received her high school diploma and is currently enrolled at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami working on a degree in forensic science.  In between her full load of classes, she also serves as a volleyball coach for a traveling team for middle school students.

Michael has also continued to excel in school over the past four years.  He is now a 10th-grade student at Columbus High School, an all-boys school in Miami that has provided him with not only a solid education but also a strong brotherhood of fellow students that support and motivate one another.  For Michael, learning has always come easy and he continues to maintain A’s and B’s while also playing on Columbus’ basketball team as well as a travel team.

Karin admits that the past few years have not been easy and that they are not out of the hole yet.  The family continues to make sacrifices – such as sharing one car for the whole family, which can become chaotic with work, school, and extracurricular activities.  And, although in college, Jenna remains at home for now to avoid additional living expenses and to help her parents out in whatever capacity she can.  However, Karin knows that every sacrifice they have made to ensure their children had a steady school environment during their plight has been well worth it.

“I am so grateful to the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors for giving my family a helping hand when we needed it the most,” says Karin.  “With your support, we were able to keep our kids on a steady path when everything else in our life was so uncertain.  You made it possible for them to be in a goal-driven and positive educational environment – the impact of which will last for years to come.”
About AAA Scholarship Foundation

The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and 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 82.2 percent of AAA scholarships are distributed to children at or below 200 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 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.

Click here for a pdf of this student spotlight.

2018. The year that would change Gabriel Villarreal’s life forever; the year that would change his family’s life forever.

In July of 2018, Gabriel was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Having this explained to you is one thing – having to explain this to your young children is an entirely different story. However, the love Gabriel and his family have for each other was undeniable. He knew this would be an obstacle, but an obstacle they would face together.

Before Gabriel was informed of his diagnosis, he worked in advertising while his wife worked as an office manager. When Gabriel was diagnosed, he was forced to file for disability to focus on his treatments and overall health. He received chemotherapy along with15 hours of surgery to remove the tumor and his right eye. The next step was to wait for the results of his test, and unfortunately, during that time, the family had to rely on one income instead of two. While they were forced to make some sacrifices, one sacrifice they didn’t have to make was their children’s education.

Gabriel and his wife wanted their three children to be in an academic setting that would be more challenging and disciplined than the one they were in currently. Gabriel’s eldest children, Andrea and Adriana, attended both public and private schools. Gabriel’s daughter, Andrea, was attending a public middle school and was experiencing a difficult time adapting due to bullying and other social issues. Even though he was aware this could happen at either a public or private school, Gabriel didn’t want to take the risk of keeping her at her current school and the issues progressing.

As much as Gabriel didn’t want his disability to affect his family’s financial standing, he didn’t have much of a choice. Medical bills continued to pile up, and he was desperate for a miracle. As Gabriel began exploring his options and weighing all of the pros and cons, he discovered the AAA Scholarship Foundation and was thrilled to find they provided scholarships to economically disadvantaged families in Florida. Gabriel applied on behalf of his family and anxiously waited for a response. Miracles come in all shapes and sizes, and that day Gabriel’s miracle was sealed in an envelope congratulating him and his family on their scholarship acceptance.

In the search for the right school, Gabriel’s main priority was for his children to be in an academic environment that was not only challenging but also reinforced their family’s values. Thankfully, he found that at Saint Brendan High School. Saint Brendan’s sole focus is to provide all of its students with a safe and diverse environment that also includes academic excellence, mutual respect, and the holistic development of the individual. Gabriel felt confident picking Saint Brendan. It had everything he thought his children would need to succeed.

As Gabriel continues to fight his battle day by day, he truly feels like the proudest father to be able to watch his daughters and son attend their parent-selected schools and, most importantly, thoroughly enjoying learning. Today, Andrea and her sister Adriana attend Saint Brendan, while their brother Alejandro is able to attend Belen Jesuit Prep, an all-male prep school. Andrea has raised her grades tremendously since transferring to Saint Brendan, and Adriana and Alejandro have consistently maintained A’s & B’s. They all enjoy different subjects – Andrea loves mathematics, Adriana loves science, and Alejandro loves history. They’re each fluent in Spanish and English, and in their spare time, they participate in tennis, cheerleading, gymnastics, and music. “Without the AAA Scholarship Foundation, it would be impossible to have my children attend these schools, especially more now than ever due to my illness,” says Gabriel Villarreal.