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As the mom of two girls, Hannah’s mother Deanna struggles to find adequate words to express her deep appreciation for ACE Scholarships. Her decision to enroll her daughters at Columbia Christian School was driven by her belief that it was the best possible environment for her daughters to thrive. The financial obligation, however, was overwhelming. Over the past year, she has seen her girls, especially Hannah, grow in their confidence as both learners and people of faith. She’s very proud of their progress and incredibly grateful for the generosity and support provided by ACE Scholarships. Deanna considers it vital that parents have the freedom and ability to choose the school that best fits their children's needs, no matter where they live. She is thankful for the kindness and generosity of the donors who make opportunities like the ones her daughters are experiencing possible.

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No one handed ACE scholar Dale O’Blia anything. Growing up in a lower-income community with a public school achieving a dismal 13% reading proficiency score, Dale was facing an uphill climb to reach his dreams. That was before an ACE scholarship gave him a real boost. Not only did Dale escape the lower expectations culture of his struggling local school, but he was able to attend Mullen High School, an outstanding private school in Colorado that challenges its students to excellence. Dale made the most of the opportunity ACE delivered to his family, and at Mullen he earned a 4.2 GPA, won four consecutive State Wrestling Championships, and gained admission to Princeton University, where he’s pursuing a career in orthopedic medicine. He’s also seeking a spot on the US Olympic Team and we’ll be watching with hopes to see him on the medal podium soon. Dale has the heart of a champion and is a shining example of what’s possible when hard work and opportunity come together with a quality education.

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Antonio is a bright and dedicated student currently attending Christian Academy, where he is thriving academically and personally. A straight "A" student, he has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his education, earning a place in the National Honor Society and being accepted into all honors classes at his new school. Antonio's journey was not without challenges. After enduring bullying at his previous Catholic school, his mother made the difficult decision to seek a more supportive environment that prioritized his well-being and spiritual growth. Despite her financial constraints, receiving the unexpected scholarship has been transformative for Antonio, allowing him to continue his education in a nurturing, faith-friendly setting. Antonio is passionate about athletics, where he exhibits both talent and exemplary sportsmanship. His experiences have shaped his resiliency and determination, and his scholarship is contributing to the process of rebuilding his confidence. Antonio is motivated to make the most of his opportunity and looks forward to growing both in his studies and faith.

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Alani and his two younger siblings are ACE Scholars at Damien Memorial School. They live in one of the most poverty-stricken areas in Hawaii, surrounded by homelessness, gangs, and heavy drug activity. Alani is a senior and the star quarterback at Damien. He loves his school because it provides an incredible level of support to students. Damien’s three pillars of being “responsible, respectful and community-minded” really resonate with Alani. Without his ACE scholarship, he wouldn’t be able to attend his senior year. Because of ACE, Alani is staying on track to graduate and pursue college, and his two siblings are following the same path.

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Matthew is in 4th grade and he enjoys math and science. He also loves learning about animals, space, and how different elements combine to create or break things. From the very beginning, Matthew has excelled in math, and this year is no exception. In science, he will be expected to select on experiment, conduct research, and present his findings, a challenge he eagerly anticipates. Matthew's father firmly believes that a solid education is crucial for a child's development. A good education fosters discipline, cultivates positive habits, and builds strong character. This conviction led Matthew's stepmother and him to work hard to enroll him in a private Christion school. They are currently in college, striving to set a positive example for their son. Their commitment to higher learning has strained their family's finances, making covering bills and educational expenses very challenging. They are immensely grateful for ACE Scholarships, which has lightened the load of paying for Matthew's education. The support from ACE Scholarships has enabled him to remain in private school, which is a tremendous blessing to their family. Matthew’s parents hope that one day in the future they will be in a position to become donors and be able to give other struggling students and families the same opportunity they’ve been given.

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Growing up on the West Bank of New Orleans in South Louisiana, Raymond was shaped by a culture rooted in faith, family, and community. As the oldest of three siblings, he learned responsibility early and witnessed his parents’ sacrifices to ensure their children received a strong education in a community where opportunity isn’t easy to come by. Everything changed when Raymond received an ACE scholarship in 8th grade, allowing him to attend Archbishop Shaw High School—a place that was more than just a school to him and his family. At Shaw, he maintained a 4.10 GPA while excelling in football and wrestling. He was inducted into the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and led Mu Alpha Theta as president. When it came time for college, Raymond applied to 25 schools and was accepted into 23, including Ivy League institutions and U.S. service academies. He ultimately chose the United States Air Force Academy, drawn by his calling to serve. Raymond’s ambitious goals are to become a Judge Advocate General, a pilot, or a public servant. No matter where life leads, Raymond remains grounded in the values of South Louisiana—faith, discipline, and gratitude for the village that made him who he is.

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Grover is in kindergarten. His favorite lessons are learning Spanish and acquiring new words to help him read books. He truly enjoys school and wakes up each day excited to attend. Grover frequently expresses how much he loves learning new things and playing with his friends at school. Grover's mother Ashley hoped for him to receive the best possible education at a place where she could be confident that he would be safe, loved, and well cared-for. Thanks to an ACE scholarship, that dream is coming true. Ashley has been able to send Grover to a private school where he can continue to grow in his faith and make friends with children who share the same values. It has also given her peace of mind, knowing that he is experiencing opportunities that would never have been possible without the scholarship. She is excited about his journey and is deeply grateful to the kind and generous donors who give kids like Grover the opportunity to shine in the right school environment.

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About three years ago, Ariel’s family moved from Wisconsin to Missouri. It was a tough transition—she didn’t know anyone, and both of her parents were working full-time. Education had always been important to the family, but the local public school wasn’t a great fit. She then enrolled in MOCAP, Missouri’s virtual public school program, but it lacked the social interaction, academic challenge and extracurricular activities the family was seeking. With no AP or dual credit classes, the opportunity to excel was lacking. They moved again in search of a stronger scholastic opportunity, which they that found at Summit Christian Academy. Ariel’s mother loved the school’s focus on character, academics, and community. The tuition, however, felt out of reach. Thanks to an ACE scholarship, Ariel got the opportunity to attend SCA, and in her words, “That school completely changed things for her.” Ariel has earned 21 college credits, taken AP courses, and joined National Honor Society. She also received the KC Scholars $50,000 scholarship and will be attending Missouri State University to double major in criminal justice and cybersecurity. She is thankful for ACE and everyone who has made it possible for her to grow, believe in her future, and chase her dreams.

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When Sadie received an ACE Scholarship, it opened doors her mother once thought were far beyond her reach. Without the tuition assistance, the idea of accessing a high-quality private school would be nothing more than wishful thinking. Instead, today Sadie is learning in a place where she’s challenged academically and supported emotionally and spiritually—surrounded by dedicated teachers, small class sizes, and a community that values both education and strong character. As a first grader, she thrives in an environment tailored to her needs. Her teachers take the time to build relationships, teach foundational life skills, and nurture her emotional well-being. Her mother knows that when she drops her off each morning, she’s in a place that reinforces the same principles and morals she teaches at home—something often overlooked in her nearby public schools. For Sadie’s mother, school choice means hope. It means her daughter’s future isn’t limited by their zip code or financial situation. It’s the freedom to choose a school that sees her, supports her, and helps her grow into the best version of herself. Because of this opportunity, she’s not just learning—she’s flourishing.

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Greta knows firsthand the transformative power of school choice. Her youngest son and only daughter had dramatically different education experiences and outcomes. Greta’s son Terrence attended a public school where drug usage and crime were commonplace. It failed to meet his learning needs and instead of being introduced to the pathway to a brighter future, Terrence was introduced to crystal meth and marijuana. His life was then marked by addiction and prison time. Despite multiple attempts at rehab, Terrence was unable to shake the hold that the drugs had on him. On August 1, 2023, as a result of his addiction, Greta’s son died. Her daughter Miracle, however, has had a different education experience. She received an ACE scholarship and was able to escape the difficult environment that Terrence got trapped in. Mircale is a thriving 11th grade student at Temple Christian in Fort Worth, TX, who participates in three sports, band, an accelerated STEM program, and Christian Leadership Council. She aspires to one day become an orthopedic surgeon and use her education to help others. Thanks to her ACE scholarship, Miracle has experienced a superior learning environment that provides safety, support, success, and the kind of opportunities Greta could have only dreamed of. Miracle’s future is looking bright, and so is the smile on her devoted mother’s face.

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Bentley attended private school for the past three years, but his family encountered a series of financial hardships that put his capacity to continue at that school at risk. An ACE scholarship made all the difference, allowing Bentley to remain growing at the school he loves. Bentley is autistic, and it is essential that he has the option to choose the best learning environment for his academic and social growth needs. Bentley has made friends at his school, which has been and continues to be a significant victory for him. Being able to stay in the right learning space has meant the world to both him and his mom.

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Octavio Sifuentes, a senior at Faith Christian Academy, has faced numerous difficult challenges with strength, poise, and purpose. In 2015, his father contracted a virus that damaged his heart, forcing the family to move to Houston for lifesaving treatment. With his father unable to work, Octavio’s mother, Janie, became the family’s primary supporter. His brother paused his college dreams to help care for their dad. To make ends meet, the family works hard—completing school maintenance projects, running concessions, and selling Janie’s homemade cheesecakes to local restaurants. Despite it all, Octavio has excelled—completing college-level classes and working toward his associate’s degree. Despite his understandable nerves, Octavio summoned the courage to speak at ACE’s 2024 Texas luncheon and testified in 2025 before the Texas Senate Hearing Committee on the state’s proposed school choice legislation. He dreams of becoming a cardiologist and giving back to his community one day.

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ACE scholarships played a crucial role in funding Olivia’s education and nurturing her newfound appreciation for her faith. Despite facing learning numerous challenges, she has emerged with remarkable confidence, reflecting her resilience. Her single mother, Sandra, has been dedicated to supporting Olivia’s educational journey and strongly desired for her to gain access the right environment for her child to thrive. In Sandra’s words, “Olivia has flourished beyond my expectations! She has never once hesitated to go to school. The exceptional support from the school staff has made a lasting impact on our family. We are incredibly thankful for the opportunities Olivia has been given. Looking back on this past year, our family feels immense gratitude for ACE; it has undoubtedly been the best choice for Olivia!”

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According to Rodolpho’s parents, if it wasn’t for their ACE scholarship, they would not have been able to keep him enrolled at St. Anthony Tri-Parish School. In their words, “It has lifted a huge burden off our shoulders and allowed us to give our child the kind of education we’ve always wanted for them one that’s rooted in faith, discipline, and strong academics. Now we can see him growing with confidence, surrounded by teachers who truly care and a community that feels like family. This scholarship has opened a path we never thought possible, and for that, we’re deeply grateful.” At Rodolpho’s school, the teachers took the time to really get to know him. That equipped them to better grow him academically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s the kind of environment that makes a huge difference, especially for a young child still discovering not only who he is, but also who he can aspire to become. In partnering with ACE and St. Anthony Tri-Parish School, The Merenties are investing in their child’s potential and moving forward with hope, despite their challenging economic circumstances—and it’s working!

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