A Life-Changing Scholarship: How Arete Helped Asher and Ava Find Faith, Confidence, and Hope

For Ronald and Tracy, education has always been about more than grades and test scores. It has been about finding a place where their children, Asher and Ava, could feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow into the people they were created to be. Their journey has been shaped by faith, prayer, and the life-changing support of the Arete scholarship.

Public school was the starting point for both children, but it quickly became clear that it wasn't the right fit for them. "Public was an ok experience. It had its pros and cons just like anything does," Tracy explains. More than anything, Ronald and Tracy longed for an environment where their children would be nurtured spiritually as well as academically. "We really wanted them at a school that weaved in the spiritual aspect, was a smaller environment, and was more focused on students and their school journey."

That desire led them to Artios Academy of Sugar Hill. "We had prayed for a hybrid type of school setting and one that values what we do, and Artios was all of these things," they shared. For about eight years now, Asher and Ava have called Artios home. It is where their love of learning has blossomed, their confidence has grown, and their dreams have taken root.

For more than 30 years, Artios Academy has partnered with families to provide an education that points students to Christ. From early childhood through high school, Artios shapes leaders and confident image-bearers through a journey of discipleship.

For Ronald and Tracy, Artios Academy has been more than a school-it has been a partner in shaping their children's hearts and minds. They have seen how Artios weaves a Biblical worldview into every subject, especially through the arts, helping Asher and Ava understand how culture and history fit into God's greater story. They've watched their children grow in confidence, character, and discernment as they learn not just to study ideas and art forms, but to recognize Truth and express it boldly. For Ronald and Tracy, Artios has been a place where education extends beyond academics, leading to genuine heart transformation and a deeper walk with Christ.

About six years ago, another Artios parent told Ronald and Tracy about Arete Scholars, and the timing could not have been more perfect. "We got the Arete scholarship after being at Artios for a few years," Tracy says. "If we were not awarded it, we would not be able to attend Artios." For the family, the scholarship was not just financial assistance; it was the key that unlocked the future they had hoped for their children.

Today, Asher is in 11th grade and is known for his love of plants, planes, cars, and building. He dreams of a future in aviation, possibly as a pilot or aviation mechanic, though he's still exploring what that might look like. He also enjoys working on cars and has been saving up for his first dirt bike. Ava, now in 9th grade, has a passion for animals, dance, cheer, and acting. Her dreams range from becoming an actress to working as a dolphin trainer.

Their parents marvel at the way both children have been shaped by their school community. "They have both gained so much confidence academically, spiritually, and personally there because they feel safe, valued, and just truly loved at Artios. Some of the teachers there have really been so wonderful. They are always encouraging and supportive. There is something beautiful about when you are in an environment and everyone in that environment has the same God-driven outlook, teachers and parents alike."

Looking back, Tracy cannot imagine where they would be without the help of Arete. "Without Arete, our lives would be very different. Public school was just not an option due to some learning challenges. Having a place for our children to go where they have a positive school experience means more than I could ever put into words."

Their gratitude to Arete's donors runs deep. "To the donors who make these scholarships possible, we send our biggest heartfelt thank you! You have taken both children, but one in particular, who did not fit into the box that was meant to be a one-size-fits-all style of learning at a place where all they knew was how to teach one way, and you have helped to make them feel like they are worthy, that they are indeed intelligent, that they are enough, and they can succeed. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do to help students become successful."

For Ronald and Tracy, Arete has been more than a scholarship; it has been a lifeline, a blessing, and a powerful reminder that when families, schools, and donors come together, students can truly thrive.

To every donor who gives, you are not just opening doors to education; you are changing lives, building confidence, and giving children like Asher and Ava the chance to dream big. Their story is living proof of the difference you make.