By LeiLah and Sebastian’s mom, Paige.
My name is Paige Johnson. I am a single mother of two. I relocated from Michigan to Louisiana in August of 2016.
I do not have a lot of family in Louisiana, but St. Rita Elementary School became like family to me. I had no idea what school I was going to send my daughter to. However, when I was at Dillard University for the open houses, I’ll never forget Mrs. Theriot’s welcoming smile and encouraging words.
Mrs. Theriot helped me make up my mind and mold my daughter’s life. She helped me make the right choice for my children’s future.
“Every morning he wakes up and he is so excited. He cannot wait to go to school. He has fun while learning and, as he would say, “The teachers are cool!”’
St. Rita does a phenomenal job with children. My daughter LeiLah’s reading level and mathematic skills are above average because of St. Rita. Thanks to the scholarship program, this is LeiLah’s third year at St. Rita. She could not wait to return to school after summer break starting in first grade.
My son, Sebastian, started Pre-K this year. Every morning he wakes up and he is so excited. He cannot wait to go to school. He has fun while learning and, as he would say, “The teachers are cool!”
St. Rita incorporates a fun way of learning all while instilling core values in my children as well. As a child in Michigan, I went to St. Veronica Private School. It was an enjoyable experience and I dreamt of my children obtaining a better education from private school. However, after my divorce, covering the cost of tuition on top of other priorities, plus being in a one parent home, was unattainable.
The scholarship program has been life changing and I cannot thank St. Rita enough for the opportunities my children have been given. We greatly benefit from this program. It is a beautiful thing to know my children are receiving the best education available to them.
I feel like all children, no matter their background, location, or parent income level, deserve the best education possible. I believe every child could benefit from the scholarship program and that it would help prepare them for life ahead. We all want the best for our children and with this program, we can give just that!
