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.

Click here to apply for a scholarship for your child.

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.

Sophia Lozano
World of Kids Academy
Doral, FL

Being 6-years-old and an ESOL (English as a second language) student, Sophia Lozano needed to be in a school setting that was tailored to her particular learning style. With a scholarship from the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA), Sophia has finally found a school she can call home.

With her children’s father living in Colombia, Ana Jiménez feels the financial burden every day trying to earn a livelihood to support her family. While being a mother is more than a full-time job in itself, Ana wouldn’t trade it for anything. Her children, Sophia and Xavier, look at the world with so much possibility and Ana never wants the low income she earns from her job to change that. While her financial status does limit her to certain things, it does not stop her from wanting to give her children a quality education.

As an ESOL student, Sophia would struggle from time to time, but Ana knew that it should not hinder her daughter’s ability to make progress in school. However, because of the language barrier, Sophia was not learning at the same speed as her peers. Ana knew Sophia was capable of learning what was being taught; however, she was falling more behind each day primarily due to being placed in a large classroom setting. Ana couldn’t help but wonder if Sophia were in a smaller classroom setting that offered one-on-one assistance, would she be performing better? She couldn’t bear to sit by and watch Sophia suffer when all she wanted to do was soar. But the same question stood; what options did her family have with her limited income?

At this time, Ana’s son Xavier was attending the World of Kids Academy through the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK), a state-based program that allows children to enroll in Pre-K at no cost. Ana decided to look into the World of Kids Academy for Sophia. Upon touring their elementary school, Ana was impressed by the curriculum the school offered and how quickly students were learning, even in the lower grade levels. The school’s primary goal is to prepare its students to perform beyond their grade level. The teachers are highly trained and experienced and each grade level has a low student-to-teacher ratio, making it easier for students to learn at a quicker, more efficient pace.

Ana had a chance to speak with the school administrators and informed them of her current financial situation. She was overjoyed to hear that World of Kids Academy had numerous children on scholarship programs, one of the programs being AAA. Ana rushed home, applied for a Florida scholarship online and patiently waited to hear back. Ana was ecstatic to receive her approval letter and enrolled Sophia at World of Kids Academy immediately for her first-grade year.

As Ana drops Sophia and Xavier off at school each morning, she can’t help but tear up while watching them run to their classrooms. Since attending the World of Kids Academy, Sophia has gone from hiding behind her textbooks to finding any excuse to raise her hand and engage with her teachers and peers. Being an ESOL student held Sophia back academically and socially at her old school, but now, she is performing far beyond her grade level and has made a ton of new friends in the process! Sophia loves math and has even joined the ballet program at her school. Everyday Sophia comes home eagerly wanting to tell her mom what she learned that day. Thinking back to where her family was just a year ago, and how much of a difference this school has made, makes Ana smile from ear to ear, and it’s all thanks to AAA.

“I am very grateful to the AAA Foundation for providing my daughter the opportunity to attend a private school with such an accelerated, tailored curriculum,” says Ana. “Thank you, AAA for giving my family and me this incredible opportunity!”

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 90.6 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.

Patrick Vega
AAA Scholarship Graduate
Arizona

The last time we heard from Patrick Vega he was in the 12th grade and on his way to completing high school. Today, we are excited to say that he will be graduating this May from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology! “We did it with angels and organizations like you,” says Gracie Vega, Patrick’s mother.

Several years ago, when the untimely passing of Patrick’s father, Gracie’s husband, occurred, the Vega family was unsure of how they would be able to continue without him. Not only was Gracie grieving her husband’s death, but she was also worried about how she would keep their family afloat financially. A big part of her concerns was how she would be able to afford for Patrick to continue at Bourgade Catholic High School – the private junior/senior high school his older brother had attended. Her reasoning went beyond having her youngest child follow in her oldest child’s footsteps; the school had served as a major support system for her family during their loss, and she worried that disrupting Patrick’s education and moving him away from this close-knit community would have devastating effects on his well-being and future.

After consulting with the financial aid department at Bourgade to tell them her concerns, Gracie learned about the AAA Scholarship Foundation and applied. Receiving the news that Patrick was approved for a scholarship provided her with a massive sense of relief and reassurance that her family was going to be alright.

Recognizing what a gift it was for him to be able to receive his education at Bourgade, Patrick put forth his best effort in school, achieving a 3.4-grade point average and taking advantage of extracurricular activities the school had to offer, including basketball, swimming, and theater. And even though his schoolwork and activities kept his schedule full, he always carved out time to do community service work – such as leading vacation bible school for younger children at his church, feeding the homeless and even going on mission trips to build houses for those in need.

As Patrick made it to his senior year of high school, the Vega family was faced with another trauma – Gracie’s eldest son was diagnosed with leukemia. The family moved into the hospital where her son was being treated, and while Patrick was enduring even more emotional turmoil than before, he knew his family would want him to push through and complete high school. With support from both his mother and AAA, Patrick walked proudly across the stage to receive his high school diploma. Patrick’s older brother was unable to attend his graduation, but now that he is in remission, he will be sitting in the front row alongside Gracie cheering Patrick on at his college graduation this spring.

“Your organization relieved me of the gorilla I was carrying on my back trying to make sense of what was happening to us,” says Gracie. “Thank you so much for everything you did for us. I am forever grateful to your organization.”

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 90.6 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 spotlight.

Sophia and Isabella Linde
The King’s Academy
Reno, NV

Kristin Linde never wanted her own personal obstacles to affect her two daughters, Sophia and Isabella. Although she did not know at the time, when her ex-husband left her and their family behind – with no money and no idea of where to go next – it was a defining moment in all of their lives.

Instead of allowing this change to dictate their future, Kristin vowed that she would do whatever it took to give her children the best – starting with education. While it was traumatic for her family to leave everything behind in Mexico and move to Nevada, she was determined to find a school tailored to her children’s specific learning needs. Her eldest daughter, Sophia, was in second grade at the time of the move. Kristin had enrolled her into a public school because although she worked multiple jobs while attending college part-time, she was still struggling to make ends meet. Kristin, however, was optimistic that this would be an easy transition for Sophia since she had done so well the year prior; but to her dismay, it was the opposite.

Kristin immediately started to notice the decline in Sophia’s grades. Sophia hadn’t struggled in school before, so she was surprised to see how drastic of a change it had become, especially in math. The issue wasn’t that there was a language barrier or that she didn’t understand the schoolwork; it was that the teaching styles were polar opposite in Mexico and Nevada. Sophia learned best when she was in a smaller class setting and had the option of receiving one-on-one attention from her teacher or a tutor, which she was not receiving at her current school.

If Sophia was already falling behind in the 2nd grade, who knew what third, fourth, or even middle school would hold for her. As desperate as Kristin was to find a better-suited school for Sophia, it seemed nearly impossible given the fact that she was her family’s main source of income and they were in no place financially to make a change.

Kristin began exploring different schools to get an idea of what each offered and, most importantly, would any of them be the right fit for Sophia. To her surprise, she found a school that surpassed any expectations she had –The King’s Academy. Kristin had this overwhelming feeling of contentment when she walked around The King’s Academy. As she observed the interactions between teachers and students, she couldn’t help but smile at the genuine appreciation they had for each other. Kristin also had the chance to walk around with the principal of the school and ask her questions and was blown away when she would greet every student by their first and last name. Seeing first-hand the principal take the time to know every one of her students, Kristin did not doubt that the faculty would be just as loving and devoted. However, The King’s Academy is a private school, and with her income, there was no way she would be able to afford the tuition.

Kristin opened up to her mother hoping she’d have some ideas on what to do. Her mother graciously offered to help her with tuition as much as she could for the first few years. Kristin took advantage of this offer as well as requesting more hours at work. Even with the extra help, it still wasn’t enough. She wanted to keep Sophia enrolled in The King’s Academy and was desperate to find a way. Thankfully she learned about the AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA) and quickly applied. Kristin anxiously waited to hear if their family had qualified for a scholarship, and the joy that she felt when they did was indescribable.

Today, Kristin can confidently say that The King’s Academy is the school that her daughter was meant to attend. Kristin’s other daughter, Isabella, is also enrolled at the school with her big sister. Sophia, who is now in the sixth grade, truly loves waking up every morning and going to school. The education level at The King’s Academy is a full school year ahead of other schools in their district. Kristin is amazed to see how quickly the students are advancing and how well they’re doing in terms of their grades. The school is big on extracurriculars and encourages students to step out of their comfort zones by trying a class in language, arts, choir or athletics.

The two siblings are doing incredible academically. Sophia loves spelling and learning about penmanship and calligraphy. She is extremely creative and looks forward to attending her art classes where she can bring her creativity to life. As for Isabella, she may only be in the second grade, but she truly loves every subject and is eager to learn and succeed in the classroom. Kristin never has to think twice about asking Isabella if she’s finished her homework because 9 out of 10 times it’s either already completed or being double-checked.

Being an AAA scholarship recipient has taken a huge weight off of Kristin’s shoulders. “I used to have to pick up extra shifts to afford the tuition, and it was just too much,” says Kristin. “With the scholarships from AAA, I can balance work, school, and still have the ability to spend quality time with my family.”

With heartfelt emotion, she reiterates how impactful this program has been to her family. “There are no words for how grateful I am,” says Kristin Linde. “I feel so safe and happy sending my children to The King’s Academy, and that’s all thanks to the AAA Scholarship Foundation.”

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 90.6 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.

William and Alyne Johnson
Sugar Hill Christian Academy
Sugar Hill, GA

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family” – Kofi Annan

Migrating from France and Jamaica, Blandine and Herbert Johnson have always known how crucial education is in life, especially when packing up the life you once knew and moving to another country. Blandine works part-time in sales while she attends college studying medical coding, and her husband Herbert is self-employed. Together they have two children – William and Alyne. William is the oldest and when it came time for William to start school, the only option was to enroll him in a public school due to the family’s economic standing. The school year started fine, or at least that was the impression Blandine and Herbert were under.

Shocked was an understatement to describe how Blandine and Herbert felt when William’s teacher told them that she thought William had a learning disorder because he wasn’t socializing with the other children in his class. Of course, the two were concerned; were the teachers noticing something they hadn’t? The Johnsons took matters into their own hands. They sought out professional advice, only to find out that it wasn’t that William had a learning disorder, but rather that he wasn’t receiving the one-on-one attention he needed and he was too timid to tell his parents that he wasn’t grasping the concepts as quickly as the other students.

This news devasted Blandine and Herbert. William was being labeled by his teacher because he wasn’t as outspoken as the other children his age. What he needed was to be in a smaller class setting where he was offered a teacher’s undivided attention if he needed it. Even though William was in Kindergarten, the two knew that if they didn’t make a change now, this would continue to affect him throughout his academic career, as well as his life. However, the Johnson’s were faced with a problem. Blandine’s hours were cut back at the same time Herbert’s pay was decreased. Attending private school was simply out of the question.

As weeks went on, Blandine and Herbert grew more upset as they watched their son try to maintain a smile for them, when they knew deep down he was struggling. They couldn’t take it anymore and knew that there had to be another way. Thankfully, there was.

One afternoon, they were discussing the situation with Herbert’s sister. She informed them of the AAA Scholarship Foundation and walked them through the steps of the Georgia application process. Having applied for two years in a row and ending up on a waitlist for funding each time, Blandine and Herbert were ecstatic to receive an acceptance letter the following year. Now all they had to do was find a school that could provide an environment that was right for their son.

The second they stepped foot onto Sugar Hill Christian Academy’s campus, Blandine and Herbert had a gut feeling that this was the ideal school for their son. The school offers a curriculum that combines strong academics, as well as character virtues, to equip the next generation. There is also a great amount of respect between parents and faculty, and they always encourage communication. William needed to be in an environment where his teachers genuinely wanted to see him excel as a student, and would do anything possible to make that happen – even if it meant spending extra time with him before and after school. Thankfully that is exactly what Sugar Hill Christian Academy provided.

As you can imagine, adjusting to a new school and curriculum was challenging in the beginning for William. He went into Sugar Hill Christian Academy with his guard up from his previous experience with his teachers at his former school. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and before he knew it, William felt comfortable and acclimated to his school. Now in the 6th grade, he is thriving at his parent-selected school! Not only has he made a ton of new friends, but he’s finally found his love for learning. Blandine and Herbert can stop by the school and enjoy lunch with William, as well as their youngest Alyne, who now also attends Sugar Hill Christian Academy. William’s grades have vastly improved and he loves to get involved in the classroom asking as many questions as possible, especially in math and science. He aspires to be an architect one day. Even though Alyne is only in the 3rd grade, she is an incredible reader and loves to write stories in her journal.

The two siblings also participate in extracurricular activities at their school; William is in the school band and Alyne performed in the Christmas play that is held every year. Blandine and Herbert are truly the proudest parents, and without the AAA Scholarship Foundation, sending them to Sugar Hill Christian Academy truly wouldn’t have been possible.

“Knowing my children are at a great school receiving a great education has been the biggest blessing,” says Blandine Johnson. “My husband and I can’t thank the AAA Scholarship Foundation enough. This organization absolutely changes lives!”

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 90.6 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 Scholarship Spotlight.

Zachary Thompson
Bulloch Academy
Statesboro, GA

“Zach being able to attend Bulloch Academy has been one of the very few positive things that have happened for our family this year,” says Marne Thompson. After experiencing what felt like the hardest year of their lives, Marne is confident that being a recipient of an AAA Scholarship was the light at the end of their tunnel.

Marne and her husband Steve are the proud parents to their incredible son, Zach. In the Thompson household, Marne is the primary source of income. Steve has quite a few health issues preventing him from being able to maintain a regular work schedule, which has led to him having a difficult time maintaining a job. While it puts an emotional and financial strain on Steve and Marne to provide for their family, their primary motivation has always been that Zach has a fulfilling life, even if that means giving up a few things. When it was time for Zach to start Pre-K, the Thompson’s patiently waited to see if they had landed a spot at Bulloch Academy since there were limited openings available. Marne and Steve were both optimistic and nervous – the state of Georgia has a state-funded lottery program which allows children to attend Pre-K, but due to limited available spaces, there is no guarantee that a child will be able to attend. Luckily, a spot opened up two weeks before school began and Zach was chosen to attend.

The school was more than Steve and Marne could’ve ever wished for their son; the teachers were loving and attentive, and the students treated each other with respect, even at a young age. The high school level had a 100 percent graduation rate, with a track record of their graduates being accepted into one of their top three college choices. The Thompsons really wanted Zach to have the opportunity to attend Bulloch Academy through high school. However, Bulloch Academy is a private school, and the state only offered financial assistance to Pre-K students. With assistance from both sets of parents and another program, Marne and Steve were able to scrape together enough money for Zach to continue to attend Bulloch Academy after Pre-K was completed and the state-funded assistance was no longer available. Additional family support enabled him to continue his schooling at Bulloch Academy.

As he moved from Pre-K to Kindergarten and then first grade, Zach’s parents began to notice how he would process his emotions differently compared to other children his age as well as have difficulty controlling certain impulses such as speaking out of turn, touching items and humming or singing at inappropriate times. Thankfully they had a close relationship with Zach’s teacher, and they felt comfortable enough to ask her questions, such as how was he acting in class, was he behaving the same way the other students were, etc. After countless conversations, and seeking professional advice from his pediatrician, Zach was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Marne and Steve were insistent about being open and honest with their son regarding his diagnosis. They wanted him to know that this didn’t define who he was or give him any reason to behave a certain way. Having ADHD, it took Zach longer to process certain emotions, but with medication, and being able to be unapologetically open with his parents, Zach never felt as if he wasn’t “normal.” Some days were more difficult than others, and it was especially hard when Zach’s grandmother unexpectantly passed away. The two shared a special bond and Zach had a hard time processing the thought of his grandmother not being a phone call away anymore.

Several other situations happened around the same time – including changes in employment – so there was no longer additional financial assistance from their family to help cover the cost of tuition. “To remove Zach from the school he loves, and away from the friends that he has made, simply because of our family finances, would have been devastating for him,” says Marne. Marne spent weeks researching scholarship programs until she came across the AAA Scholarship Foundation. “Without the AAA Scholarship Foundation, his world would have been turned upside down.”

During 2017-18, Zach and the Thompson family experienced additional struggles. Multiple health issues for both Steve and Marne, two more grandparents passing away, a potentially stressful transition to middle school, and further financial struggles that were almost too much to bear. However, with the support and understanding of Zach’s teachers, his pediatrician, and the close relationship between Zach and his parents, he continues to thrive.

Now in the 6th grade at Bulloch Academy, Zach has truly transformed into the young man Marne and Steve always imagined he would be. While he has not always been a straight A student, this year he made honor roll and was selected to be a part of the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP), which helps gifted students assess the extent of their academic abilities with above-grade-level testing. Also, Zach was recognized on Honors Day with a citizenship award, a reading award, and Zach’s favorite, a music award! Aside from academics, Zach has an undeniable love for music that he inherited from his parents. Marne minored in music when she was in college, and Steve has always enjoyed listening to a variety of musical genres. She and Steve have taken Zach to multiple concerts to expose him to different artists and bands. Zach has tried just about every instrument and ultimately fell in love with the drums. Thankfully Bulloch Academy has an exceptional music program and Zach was able to learn the basics of multiple instruments. He is also taking drum lessons at a local music store. His teacher can’t help but gush over how wonderful of a student Zach is. He is enthusiastic to learn and every time he comes home after a lesson, his parents simultaneously tell him to “go make some noise!”

Being able to attend Bulloch Academy for his entire academic career thus far has alleviated so many potential problems. And since Zach has attended Bulloch Academy since Pre-K, he has made true, genuine friendships. He looks forward to seeing his friends every day and playing frisbee during P.E. He is confident in the classroom and pushes himself to be the best student he can be. Zach knows that while it may take him longer to understand certain tasks or emotions, he can do anything he puts his mind to.

“I have tearful moments every year when we receive the acceptance letter from AAA,” says Marne Thompson. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I encourage you to reach out to friends, family and business partners to educate them about this wonderful foundation. All children deserve the right to receive a quality education regardless of his or her parent(s)’ income. To all of the AAA Scholarship donors that make this possible for my son, I thank you.”

About AAA Scholarship Foundation
The AAA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships solely to qualifying low-income, disabled and/or displaced students. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 90.6 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/or displaced students through these tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single-solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your corporation can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888 707-2465 ext. 730.

Click here for a pdf of this spotlight.