Tiffany Bello-Spence
Miami, FL

Tiffany Bello-Spence is a determined young woman with a big dream of becoming a veterinarian one day, a goal that is now in reach thanks to the preparation she is receiving a Saint Brendan High School in Miami, Fla., a school she is attending on an AAA Scholarship.

Born prematurely and losing her father to cancer before she reached her first birthday, the odds were stacked against Tiffany. However, her mother, Janice Bello, was determined to provide the best life she could for her and has worked tirelessly over the years to fulfill that goal. As Tiffany approached high school, it became clear that she needed a more challenging environment than the school she was zoned for.

“By middle school she already had her mind set: she wanted to attend the University of Florida and become a veterinarian,” recalls Janice. “However, I worried that her determination would be stifled if she continued in an environment that did not provide her with opportunities for growth and tools to help her reach her goals.”

In their search for options, they found Saint Brendan High School. It had everything they hoped for – including a strong academic program with separate academies such as medical sciences, perfectly aligned to Tiffany’s future goal. Unable to afford the tuition on her own, Janice applied for and received a tax credit scholarship from AAA for Tiffany, easing the financial burden and giving her daughter the chance to pursue her dreams.

Now in the 12th grade, Tiffany has excelled during her time at Saint Brendan, where she was one of only 30 students accepted into the medical sciences program her freshman year. She is taking all AP classes while continuing to earn top grades and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She is also involved in various other honor societies including science, English and social science, even serving as president of her school’s Science National Honor Society and secretary of her school’s National English Honor Society. On any given day, you can find her studying or fulfilling her duties for the numerous other activities and clubs she is involved in, such as Environmental Club, Red Cross, Key Club, and Sabres Against Cancer (in honor of her father).

She still has her sights set on attending the University of Florida, but has also applied to other colleges, including University of Miami (UM), University of Central Florida (UCF), Cornell and Florida International University (FIU). She has already been accepted by early admission into UCF and was given the opportunity by Saint Brendan – who only nominates one student per year – to get a scholarship that covers most of the tuition for UM.  We know that she will excel wherever she lands.

“As a single parent on a limited income, I have made many sacrifices to provide a good life for my daughter,” says Janice. “Thanks to AAA, I did not have to sacrifice her quality of education.”

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 copy of this student spotlight.

 

Toby Miller
Florida

This past May, Toby Miller walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma, signifying the hurdles he has overcome and the accomplishments he has made at Odessa Christian School. A few years ago, Toby’s mother, Katie Miller, worried about his future after he encountered setbacks in middle school. However, a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) enabled him to correct his path and he is now on his way to a promising future.

Prior to receiving an AAA Scholarship, Toby attended his local public middle school. His parents had recently divorced, and his mother Katie was adjusting to life as a single mom of four, with Toby being the youngest of the Miller children. Unfortunately, Toby began associating with the wrong crowd and making poor choices, eventually leading him to be suspended from school. Additionally, he began to struggle academically as his 504 educational plan was not being followed and his grades suffered.
Katie was determined to do whatever it took to get her son back on track and began to research alternative solutions, including Odessa Christian School, a school she was familiar with as it was close to their neighborhood and her sister-in-law had previously been a teacher at the school. The school appeared to be the perfect solution, except for one thing: the tuition.

“At the time, I was newly divorced and just finishing up nursing school,” recalls Katie. “Affording the tuition at Odessa Christian would have been next to impossible. However, the school told us about the AAA Scholarship Foundation and we were able to receive a scholarship for Toby. I was overjoyed!”
As Toby transitioned to Odessa Christian, he began to feel seen and heard by his teachers and his grades improved, going from failing to earning A’s and B’s in his classes. Surrounded by positive influences, and with renewed confidence, Toby began to branch out, taking the initiative to volunteer on the production team at church and getting a job at their local grocery store.

“None of these things I advised him to do; he did it all on his own,” says Katie.

By the time Toby reached his senior year, he had become an honor roll student and was recognized for his strong skills as a sound technician. In the Spring of 2024, he graduated with honors from Odessa Christian School. Following graduation, he got a job doing background checks for a company – perfectly suited to his future career interests – and is starting a new chapter at Western Governors University, where he will be studying cyber security.

Reflecting on the journey Toby has undertaken, Katie is both proud and grateful.

“As soon as he started at Odessa Christian, I felt relieved,” says Katie. “As a parent, knowing in my heart that he was in a safe space was very comforting. And now seeing the incredible person he is growing into and all that he has accomplished the past few years…to say I am proud would be an understatement. I know without a shadow of a doubt that Toby’s life would look very different right now if he did not have the tremendous opportunity that was given to him by the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors. You have made this all possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
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 Toby Miller’s Scholarship Spotlight

The Cirerol Family
Phoenix, AZ
As a teen mom, Yuri Cirerol took on responsibility at a young age and has remained dedicated to giving her children opportunities to thrive in life. Today, Yuri and her husband Aaron are the hardworking parents of four sons ranging in age from eight to 21 years old – three of whom have benefitted from AAA Scholarships.

Originally from Mexico, Yuri relocated with her family to Arizona when she was nine years old. While the move provided hope for expanded opportunities, Yuri struggled with the transition and there were limited resources available at the time. She had her first two sons – Christian and Jacob (now 21 and 18) – when she was a teenager and spent the next five years raising them as a single mom until she met Aaron, who would eventually become her husband and take on the role as a father to her sons. The couple later welcomed two more children – Isaak (14) and Elijaah (8).

The family was first introduced to the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) when their oldest son Christian was in middle school. The public school he was attending at the time was not providing him with a positive environment, one where he could grow and be surrounded by peers with similar goals and values. During this time, the Cirerols had found a community for their family at Saint Jerome Catholic Church in Phoenix and learned about the school connected to the church – Saint Jerome Catholic School.

“It was actually Christian’s idea for us to look into switching him to Saint Jerome Catholic School,” recalls Yuri. “The hurdle for us was being able to afford the tuition.”

The couple works hard to support their family of six: Aaron as an electrician and Yuri as an assembler in a local factory. Without financial assistance, fitting the school tuition into their budget was out of reach. However, a AAA Scholarship helped to bridge the gap and they were able to send Christian to Saint Jerome, where the small environment and close-knit community helped to set him up for future success. He graduated from 8^th grade at Saint Jerome and continued to a local high school to complete his diploma. Today, he is following in Aaron’s footsteps, working as an electrician and leading his own crew.

Seeing the impact that Saint Jerome had on Christian, the Cirerols opted to send Isaak and Elijaah to the school, also with the help from AAA Scholarships. Isaak is now in the 8^th grade at Saint Jerome, where he will graduate in the Spring of 2024 and continue to Bourgade Catholic High School. With a love for science, he is considering pursuing a career as a surgeon in the future. He has also been very active in sports at the school – especially basketball – and is involved in other activities, including serving as a class representative on the student council. As a result of his hard work, he has become an honor roll student and even received a sports leadership award.

Elijaah has also found his place at Saint Jerome, where he is making all A’s and B’s in his second grade class, earning him a spot on the honor roll. He also loves playing sports and may join one of the athletic programs offered at Saint Jerome when he is eligible.
For Yuri and Aaron, being able to give their children opportunities that they did not have is priceless.

“Growing up, I did not have many educational options,” says Yuri. “It is important to us that our children are able to get a good education that will benefit their future.”

AAA Scholarships have also provided them with peace of mind, especially when faced with unexpected circumstances. For example, when Yuri’s unreliable car was jeopardizing her ability to get to and from work, they did not have to choose between affording tuition and getting a car, which would have had a tremendous impact on their finances.

“When you don’t come from a wealthy family or you are not in the best financial situation, your options are limited,” says Yuri. “AAA Scholarships removed that financial barrier and as a result our children are receiving an outstanding education and experiences that will last a lifetime. Our most sincere appreciation goes to all the donors who make this possible!”

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.

The Atkinson Family
Henderson, NV

With a home full of love, laughter and new beginnings, Patrick and Aimee Atkinson have created a haven for their children, which includes a mix of biological, adopted and foster children. When the Atkinsons first dove into foster care seven years ago, they could not have imagined the journey it would take them on as they opened their hearts and home to children from diverse backgrounds and often difficult circumstances. The AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) has been a key resource for their family, providing their children with the educational options needed for their unique needs and abilities.

Originally from California, Aimee moved to Nevada when she was a teenager. She welcomed her first daughter Lou Lou, now 24, from a previous relationship, before meeting and eventually marrying Patrick, a native of Indiana. The couple soon welcomed a daughter, Aubrie (14). After two tubal pregnancies set a roadblock in their plans to expand their family, Aimee and Patrick opted to become foster parents, a choice that has led to fostering 21 children to date.

Just weeks after becoming licensed foster care parents, a special boy would enter their lives: Jonah, a newborn who had been abandoned with hyperthermia, sepsis and head trauma. He spent the first three weeks of his life fighting to survive in the NICU.

“Although I was not a first-time mom, I was so nervous about bringing him home because of his medical needs,” says Aimee. “But he immediately won over our hearts and we knew we wanted him to become a permanent part of our family.”

That wish came true when they finalized his adoption a year later. He is now a happy, healthy and thriving 6-year-old.

 
The AAA Scholarship Foundation became a part of their story when Aubrie was in 4^th grade. For most of her elementary years, she attended an area public school and did well in school. However, as she grew older, the Atkinsons noticed a change in the school environment, including some negative behaviors among her peers. Additionally, while Aubrie received high scores on a gifted and talented assessment, they felt that she needed a more challenging academic environment. They found the perfect fit at Lake Mead Christian Academy, and a scholarship from AAA made it possible for them to afford the tuition.

Now in the ninth grade, Aubrie is excelling in school, maintaining a 3.7 GPA even with the challenging curriculum. She loves to read – so much so that she’s known to sneak a few extra pages in during class sometimes. She loves to be outdoors enjoying activities like fishing and has a wide range of interests – from marine biology to architecture and art.

“Aubrie has always been a very motivated child with a goal,” says Aimee. “She even saved enough money to buy a used car that we plan to restore for her to drive when she is older! Seeing her blossom at Lake Mead makes us feel confident that we selected the right academic environment for her. We are grateful that AAA made that choice possible.”

When it came time for Jonah to enter Kindergarten, the Atkinsons knew that Lake Mead would be the right fit for him as well and a AAA Scholarship made it possible for him to attend. “He has overcome so much, and he needed to be in a learning environment that could address any struggles he faced and give him the opportunity to thrive,” says Aimee. “Lake Mead checks all the boxes and is giving him a great start to his education.”

The Atkinsons currently have four other foster care children living with them – including Junior (5) and his little brother Christopher (3), both of whom they hope to adopt in the future. When Junior came to live with them, he had a strict individual education plan (IEP), but once enrolled in Lake Mead, also on a AAA Scholarship, he bloomed and is now excelling in both math and reading.

“Serving as foster parents has been both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time,” says Aimee as she reflects on their journey. “We have had a lot of beautiful moments, and it has taught our children to have compassion and understanding for others.”

One thing that has helped to lighten the mental load for Aimee and Patrick is being able to send their children to a school where they can learn in a safe and nurturing environment, something that would not have been possible without AAA Scholarships.

“Part of the reason we got involved in foster care was to change the world for the better…to help give children a better life,” says Aimee. “By having a partner in the AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors, it makes that goal much easier. I hope the donors realize that their support is helping to change the trajectory of so many children’s lives. We are so 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 of this spotlight story.

Taylor Kennedy
Savannah, GA

For many of our scholarship recipients, the opportunities they receive extend beyond the classroom doors and change the trajectory of their future. Taylor Kennedy is one example.

Taylor’s mother, Monik Brinson, is an unwavering advocate for her children. As a single mother, Monik works tirelessly to make sure her children’s needs are met. She never wanted the neighborhood they lived in to determine what kind of education they received. However, when Taylor’s older brother Warren was entering middle school, it became clear that she needed to find other options to prevent a potentially disastrous future for Warren, as well as Taylor and their younger sister Caroline. AAA Scholarships enabled them to attend schools that were a better fit – a move that would open up a world of opportunities.

Taylor received the scholarship when she was in second grade, allowing her to build a solid foundation over the years and develop interests such as science, art and sports. In 8th grade, she discovered her passion for volleyball, a sport that is having a big impact on her future goals.

“Volleyball is an outlet for me,” explains Taylor. “Whenever I am feeling stressed or anxious, all I have to do is play volleyball and it helps relieve my stress and worries. Volleyball has most definitely helped me grow into more of a leader on and off the court.”

One could say that athleticism and hard work runs in the family. Taylor’s big brother is Warren Brinson, a former AAA scholarship recipient that is making big moves on the University of Georgia football team (you can read more about his story here).

And now it looks like Taylor is well on her way to creating a successful future for herself as she makes strides on and off the volleyball court as a senior at Calvary Day School. A celebrated member of the varsity volleyball team, she has already received three college offers. While she has not decided on which college she will choose, she hopes to attend on a volleyball scholarship to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine while continuing to play the sport she loves.

Reflecting on her family’s journey with AAA Scholarships, Monik says there is one word that sums it up: grateful. “I made a lot of sacrifices to get my children to this point – to make sure that they had a good education and everything they needed to succeed – and I could not have done it alone,” she says. “AAA Scholarship Foundation and its supporters gave us a helping hand, ensuring that my kids’ dreams could become reality.”

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.

Krystal Guerrero
Havana, Florida

On May 4, 2023, at only 18 years old, Krystal Guerrero nervously walked across the stage at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Fla., to receive her associate’s degree. A few weeks later, she would also officially graduate from high school – making her the first in her family to do so. While these accomplishments are a result of Krystal’s determination and hard work, she credits the AAA Scholarship Foundation for giving her the opportunity to achieve these goals.

“AAA Scholarship Foundation paved the way for my education,” says Krystal. “If it were not for AAA, I would not have accomplished any of the things I did. To this day, I am so very thankful to all of the AAA donors!”

Krystal is the eldest daughter of Juan and Jelen Guerrero and the big sister to Paola, Genesis and Juan Jr. Juan Sr. began working at the young age of 14 to help his parents financially, and neither he nor Jelen was able to finish high school. Juan and Jelen were determined to provide Krystal and her siblings with opportunities they did not have – which often meant putting in long hours of hard work and making sacrifices along the way.

When Krystal started elementary school, despite her natural determination to succeed, she faced several challenges. Coming from a primarily Spanish-speaking household, daily interactions with teachers and peers were often difficult and she struggled to keep up in school. Even after switching to a different public school, she fell further behind because she was not receiving the help she needed. Desperate for a solution, her parents explored every option that was available and landed on Robert F. Munroe Day School, where the dedicated teachers, family-like environment and array of educational opportunities was the perfect fit for Krystal and her siblings. AAA Scholarships made it possible for the hard-working Guerrero family to afford the tuition.

During her time at Munroe Day School, Krystal blossomed as she realized her full potential and began to set goals for her future. By the time she reached 11^th grade, she began taking college-level classes through the dual-enrollment program at Tallahassee Community College (TCC).
“Because families aren’t charged for dual-enrollment courses, it helped my parents financially and allowed me to get a jumpstart on my goal of becoming a nurse,” says Krystal.

For her last two years of high school, Krystal was able to complete all of her pre-requisite classes for nursing school and by the end of her senior year, she earned her associate’s degree a few weeks before she walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma. She admits it was tough, but her family helped her to push through.
“My parents have always been my motivation,” says Krystal. “All my hard work and dedication was to make them proud. They always encourage me to follow my dreams and I really could not have done it without them.”

As if her academic achievements were not enough, Krystal also played on Munroe’s volleyball team and completed community service work through the school’s Anchor Club. Additionally, she participated in Munroe’s Beta Club and student council, as well as TCC’s National Society of Leadership and Success, and earned a spot on the dean’s and president’s lists at TCC. During her senior year, she also ran for Miss Munroe Court, an event that recognizes a select group of senior girls for their involvement in various life organizations at the school, taking into consideration GPA, extracurriculars and future goals.

Not only did she win, but she became the first Hispanic Miss Munroe and was recognized in the local newspaper for this achievement. “I am so incredibly proud of myself for accomplishing things that I thought were impossible,” says Krystal. “I broke barriers in my school. Being Miss Munroe is an honor.”

After applying to and being accepted into several colleges and universities – both near and far – Krystal had a tough decision to make. She ultimately decided to stick close to home and is currently attending the Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education at TCC to accomplish her goal of becoming a registered nurse.

“It was not an easy decision, but my heart told me that I needed to stay close to home,” explains Krystal. “I am very family oriented and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my little siblings. They always depend on me, and secretly, I depend on them as well. I now know that it was the best decision I could have possibly made. I absolutely love the program I am in and TCC is the perfect place for me.”

With a current graduation year set for 2025, Krystal is well on her way to achieving yet another goal and is already making future plans, which include working at one of the local hospitals for at least two years before becoming a travel nurse to explore new places outside of Florida while pursuing her passion in healthcare.

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 AAA Graduate Spotlight

The Hilliard Family

Marietta, GA

Mark and Katrina Hilliard’s love story began after they met in kindergarten – quickly becoming inseparable friends that would later lead to dating and eventually getting married. Mark would go on to become a church worship pastor, while Katrina worked as a high school math teacher. When their dreams of expanding their family were halted due to infertility, they turned their focus to foster care, a decision that has led to an incredible outcome.

“Infertility was an extremely difficult road to walk, and the doctors eventually told us that IVF was our only option,” recalls Katrina. “Some friends at our church worked at a foster care agency, so we began asking many questions. After many difficult and emotional conversations, we decided against IVF, and we were ready to begin foster parenting classes. The main goal of foster care is reunification, so we wanted to help children while their biological parents worked to get them back. We were open to adoption, but only as a last resort if a child could not return to his or her family.”

Those plans would change when the Hilliard’s got their first foster care placement in June 2016 – Joshua, a three-week old infant. By the time Joshua was a year old, Mark and Katrina were overjoyed to adopt him. Within months, the family of three became a party of four when a 3-week-old baby boy, Jak, was placed in their home through foster care. Before long, Jak officially became a part of the Hilliard family when they finalized his adoption. Then, in July 2019, the Hilliard’s welcomed another foster baby into their home – Jacob – who they would also eventually adopt. They now had three boys under three years old – but the family was not done expanding.

“When Jacob was just nine months old, we got an unexpected call from our case manager,” recalls Katrina. “Jak had a newborn biological brother who needed a family. We said ‘yes!’ to three-day-old little Judah in April 2020 – right in the middle of a global pandemic. You counted correctly – we now had four boys, four and under! It has been a wild, shocking, blessed ride and we wouldn’t change a thing! Our boys keep our home loud, our schedules full, and our hearts forever grateful.”

When it came time for Joshua and Jak to start school, the Hilliard’s knew how important it was to find the right academic setting.

“Foster care is accompanied by trauma,” says Katrina. “Poverty, drug exposure, neglect, lack of educational resources, addiction, homelessness, abuse and lack of support are all common reasons children enter the foster care system. Our boys entered our home as infants, but they still experienced some of these struggles in-utero and in their short time before entering foster care. More importantly, some of their biological family members have experienced these struggles for generations.”

While the local public schools were not the best fit for Joshua or Jak, two different area private schools appeared to provide the learning environment they needed. However, with four small children – including two still in diapers – affording the tuition was not possible. Their solution came in the form of AAA Scholarships, allowing Joshua and Jak to attend schools where they are thriving.

As a Kindergartner at Cornerstone Preparatory Academy, Joshua has gained valuable reading skills and become a master of math. He is an active, athletic and kind-hearted 6-year-old who loves to learn and is a great big brother. While he can be shy, Cornerstone Prep’s small class size, attentive teachers and consistent routine have helped him improve his social confidence and come out of his shell.

Also during the 2022-23 school year, Jak began attending Midway Covenant Christian School in the K4 program, gaining all the skills in letters, numbers and writing that he will need to move onto Kindergarten. At five years old, Jak is curious, kind, charming and loves to make others laugh. He has a great love for cats and is fascinated by clocks and figuring out how things work. A perfectionist by nature, he is hesitant to try new things, but his teacher has helped him build confidence and now he is flourishing both socially and academically.

“AAA Scholarships have been a godsend for our family – enabling us to place our boys in wonderful schools with healthy environments,” says Katrina. “The flexibility to choose a private school for each of them has been monumental as they enter their formative school years. Their smaller class sizes empower their teachers to better assess and meet their individual needs, while also allowing us to be closely involved with teachers and school administration to ensure our sons remain on a successful trajectory. We sincerely feel that we are in partnership with their teachers, which brings us great peace of mind. Thank you to AAA and all the donors who have made this opportunity possible for our children!”

 

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

Che-Ollin Robles, Mia Contreras and Navianna Contreras
Tucson, AZ

Having faced her own hardships in life, Isabel Lopez, a single mother of three, is determined to provide a better life for her children, including making sure they not only receive a quality education, but are in a safe learning environment surrounded by positive influences. Scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) made this goal possible.

Born in Tucson, Ariz., Isabel and her siblings were raised by a single mother on the southside of the city, an area where gangs were prevalent and negative influences had the power to derail the best of intentions.

“As much as I loved school growing up, I made some poor choices,” recalls Isabel. “I eventually found my path and became a nurse. I’ve now been in the medical field for 15 years. Being a nurse is definitely not for the faint of heart; however, I know for me, it’s a calling – it’s second nature.”

While Isabel braved the frontlines as a nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic, she worried about her children’s health and adjustment to remote school learning.

“Raising children during that time was not easy for anyone,” recalls Isabel. “Trying to keep everyone healthy, making sure my kids were able to stay on track with their education, and working to keep our household afloat financially…as the sole provider for my children, it was a scary time.”

Many of her concerns were alleviated when the children were able to return to in-person learning at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic School in Casa Grande and she saw them blossoming in their learning environment. And with scholarships from AAA, the financial barriers Isabel faced were reduced and her children were given the chance to thrive in school.

“As a single parent on a limited income, I would not have been able to afford for my children to attend such a wonderful school without help or having to sacrifice my presence in my children’s lives by working several jobs,” says Isabel. “The AAA Scholarship Foundation has provided a much-needed resource for my family and countless opportunities for my children.”

Che-Ollin, the oldest of the siblings, became an honor roll student at Saint Anthony, where teachers took note of his respectful and well-mannered nature and his ability to easily make friends. His younger sister, Mia, also attended the school for kindergarten and first grade, while Navianna eventually joined her siblings at Saint Anthony through the preschool program.

After spending a couple of years in Casa Grande, Isabel and her children relocated back to Tucson. Thankfully, the move would not disrupt their educational progress – AAA scholarships are transferable to other eligible schools within the state, allowing Isabel to keep her children on scholarship at their new school, Saint Joseph Catholic School in Tucson.

“It was important to me that my children continue their education at a school that provides a positive and engaging environment – and that they are able to attend the same school together,” says Isabel. “Saint Joseph Catholic has been a great fit for our family. The school has a family-driven atmosphere – as well as wonderful leadership and teachers – which made the transition easier for my children.”

Che-Ollin completed 7^th grade at Saint Joseph and hasn’t missed a beat. In addition to keeping up his grades, he participates in several sports, including basketball, volleyball and track. He also loves music – we are told he is quite the dancer – and is always there to fulfill his role as a great big brother to his sisters.

Equal parts silly and sweet, Mia is the middle child with a pure heart. She initially faced some challenges in school due to some learning difficulties, eventually being diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. However, her teacher provided the support she needed to work through her challenges and help her feel validated and engaged in the classroom. As a result, Mia finished out her second-grade year strong. She also joined the school’s Girl Scout troop, helping to further develop her skills both in and out of the classroom. In her free time, she loves to paint and draw – and even talks about becoming an artist or following in her mother’s footsteps to become a nurse.

Navianna, the youngest of the siblings, successfully completed kindergarten this year with support from her caring teachers who helped ease her transition to the new school. She has already developed into an excellent, task-oriented student and is always the first one to get started and complete homework at home. Like her sister, she also has developed a love for art and joined the Girl Scouts this year, allowing her to channel her caring nature and learn new skills.

“Because of those who support the AAA Scholarship Foundation, my children – as well as so many others – are able to flourish and become functioning members of society. Being able to see my children happy and growing in an environment that is right for them is priceless. Thank you for your generous gift to my family.”

 

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.

Mia and Natalia Guzman
Tucson, AZ

Choosing the right academic setting for your child is one of the biggest decisions parents face. Curriculum, safety, environment and many other factors come into play. However, sometimes the neighborhood schools do not meet these needs or expectations, prompting parents to find alternative solutions. Such was the case for Artemisa “Artie” Leon and her husband Sean Guzman. AAA Scholarships helped to bridge financial gaps so their daughters Mia and Natalia could attend a school that was right for them. And when the family encountered struggles in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the scholarships gave them a peace of mind that their daughters’ education would not be disrupted.

The family’s story began at Davis Mountain Air Force Base; Sean was serving in the Air Force at the time and Artie was working as a civilian at the base. The pair eventually married and started a family, welcoming daughters Mia and Natalia. Sean finished his military service and transitioned to a career in the IT industry, while pursuing a degree in cyber security and business. When the time came for Mia to start Kindergarten, they realized that the schools in their local school district fell short of what they wanted for their children’s education.

“My mom always told me that one of the best gifts you can give your children is a good education, and that has stuck with me,” says Artie.

After doing some research, Artie and Sean found St. Joseph Catholic School. Aside from its convenient location to their home and work, St. Joseph’s academic programs and close, family-like environment matched up with the type of school they desired for their children. With the help from another financial aid program, the family was able to afford the tuition for Mia to attend St. Joseph.

Mia was enjoying a great start to her education until the Covid-19 pandemic hit the nation in 2020, forcing teachers and students to pivot to online learning and causing economic distress for many families. Artie and Sean both lost their jobs at one point during this time and they worried about the strain the school’s tuition would put on their already tight finances. However, scholarships from the AAA Scholarship Foundation enabled them to keep Mia – and eventually her younger sister Natalia – at St. Joseph.

Like many students, Mia struggled in the aftermath of the pandemic, causing her to fall behind in reading and math. However, once St. Joseph was able to welcome students back on campus, Mia’s teacher provided her with extra tutoring to get caught up.

“It was a challenging time for our family with financial and educational setbacks,” recalls Artie. “However, I am grateful that the AAA Scholarship gave us the ability to keep our daughter in a school readily equipped to help her overcome her challenges.”

Now rounding out her 4^th grade year at St. Joseph, Mia has bloomed into a confident, happy and social child. She loves her art class and in the summer she puts her creativity to work playing guitar in mariachi.

Natalia has also enjoyed attending school at St. Joseph with her big sister. While she is naturally more shy and reserved, she has progressed quite a bit, going from a quiet student to a more confident one who is not afraid to ask questions. Currently finishing up her 1^st grade year, she has developed a love for math – an area where she excels. During the summer, she also participates in mariachi and plays the violin.

St. Joseph has also helped to shape Artie’s next steps in her career. She is currently serving as a part-time teacher’s aide at the school while also pursuing a degree in creative writing and business at the University of Arizona.

“Because of the AAA Scholarship Foundation, we were able to keep our daughters in a school environment that they love and where they are receiving a quality education,” says Artie. “We are incredibly grateful for the assistance that the scholarships have provided for our family!”

 

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.

Adam Dunand
Miami, FL

Kindhearted, down-to-earth, and grateful are all words Tessie Molina uses to describe her youngest son, Adam Dunand – a ninth grader at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, a school he is attending with help from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA).

“He’s a big teddy bear – everyone loves him,” says Tessie affectionately. “When he walks in, he lights up the room.”

Looking at pictures of Tessie and her three sons (Adam has two adult brothers), you can’t deny the bond they share. However, things have not been easy for this family. Several years ago, Tessie’s ex-husband (her sons’ father) left the family in financial turmoil – causing them to lose not only their house, but Tessie’s parents’ house as well. Left as the sole provider for her children, as well as the caretaker for her elderly mother, Tessie had to drain her 401k to provide housing for her family. Tessie, who has been teaching for 32 years, had to also take on a second job to keep her family afloat.

“My two oldest sons stepped in and would help take care of Adam while I worked my second job,” says Tessie. “It was a really tough time in our lives, but it made us stronger. And I think it brought my boys closer – they have a great relationship.”

At the time, Adam was an elementary student at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in Miami, the same school that Tessie still serves as a first grade teacher. With so much turbulence going on in their lives, Tessie was determined to provide Adam with normalcy where she could – and keeping him in a school where he was thriving and surrounded by caring teachers was a top priority. Unfortunately, with her finances now limited, she was not sure how long she would be able to continue to afford the tuition. A scholarship from AAA provided the lifeline her family needed, enabling Adam to continue at St. Thomas and alleviating some of the financial stress.

“The AAA Scholarship Foundation provided me with a sense of security,” recalls Tessie. “I could finally breathe and say ‘my son is going to be okay’ and turn my focus on creating a better future for my children – and even for myself.”

The scholarship enabled Adam to remain at St. Thomas, where he graduated from the 8^th grade in 2022, and continue onto Christopher Columbus High School (CCHS), an all-boys college preparatory school in Miami.

“CCHS is a great fit for Adam for many reasons,” explains Tessie. “The school has a great academic program that both challenges and accommodates his specific strengths, helping to prepare him for higher education and to serve as a leader in the community. But perhaps what makes this school such an important part of his life is that he is surrounded by positive male role models, something that is much needed, especially for those without father figures in their lives.”

Currently in the 9^th grade, Adam maintains all A’s in his classwork while playing on the school’s lacrosse team. Instead of being jaded by the struggles their family went through, Tessie says that it has instead made Adam grounded and appreciative of the people in his life and the opportunities he receives. While we hope Tessie takes credit for raising a well-rounded young man despite the curveballs she was thrown, she acknowledges that having him in the right academic environment played a significant role.

“Everyone has a story and without the opportunity the scholarship gave us, our story would not have happened,” says Tessie. “During our struggles, the scholarship gave us hope. AAA Scholarship Foundation and its donors are helping to plant good roots, where children can thrive and grow and create wonderful futures. We are so grateful to the companies who make these opportunities possible for so many!”
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.