Leilani is 13 years old and is an eighth grader at St. Mary’s Academy. She is an amazing person who is smart, gentle, loving and hardworking.  She cares for others and loves school. Leilani never misses an opportunity to learn and share what she has learned with others.

I chose St. Mary’s Academy because of the spiritual foundation, nurturing environment and open communication between teachers and parents.  The adage “It takes a village to raise a child” describes the village that St. Mary’s has created where trust is built and students are nurtured.   St. Mary’s also challenges my daughter to grow while encouraging kids to be kind.

I am so thankful for the Louisiana Scholarship Program.  As a single mother and nursing school student, finding a great school for Leilani that was affordable was a challenge. I believe the best thing any parent can do for their child is give them a proper education. Knowledge is power and an education is the one thing that cannot be taken from you. Receiving the scholarship removed a burden and has allowed me to provide Leilani with a quality education.

School choice means everything to my family. It empowers me and gave me the ability to choose what’s best for my child. Leilani is receiving a solid education and thriving because of school choice.