04/13/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/13/2026 08:20
When Khloe walks into her eighth-grade classroom at Vandebilt Catholic High School, she carries herself with a growing confidence that her mother, Holli, is quick to notice. For the past four years, Khloe has been an Arete Scholar, and the scholarship has opened doors that have shaped her academic journey, motivated her, and fueled her dreams for the future.
Holli remembers clearly how it all began. "We had already filled out the forms to go to public school. Then, two days before school started, we received the call saying she had been awarded the scholarship. And we've loved it ever since."
That last-minute phone call changed everything for Khloe. "I really appreciate everything Arete has done for us, because it made such a positive impact on both of our children," Holli explains. "It has given them opportunities I could not have provided otherwise."
Khloe has always had an energetic and outgoing personality. At Vandebilt, she's been able to channel that energy into a variety of interests. "She does competition dance, she loves basketball, and her favorite subject is English," Holli says proudly. "She also really likes math. And of course, she loves her friends."
School life has been a place where Khloe is not just keeping up, but thriving. Her mother notices the difference. "Her grades have balanced out a little bit-it's easier for her now," Holli says. Khloe agrees, adding, "With English, I've been getting better grades. Regular English classes are really easy for me. My friends in honors told me about the amount of work they do, and I think that would be a great fit for me."
For Holli, the change in Khloe has been striking. She sees not just academic improvement but also growth in maturity and focus. "She always made good grades," Holli says, "but now I feel like she is more motivated. She really works hard and takes her education seriously."
Khloe admits she has noticed a difference in herself as well. "I've been really motivated to get my homework done," she says. "And I feel like I am understanding things better than I did last year."
Transitioning to a new school is never easy, but Vandebilt has welcomed Khloe with open arms. She quickly felt at home among her peers and teachers. "I really like it," Khloe says simply. "The people there are nice and welcoming."
Holli is grateful for the supportive environment at Vandebilt. "When we went to open house, her teachers told me how they see motivation in her schoolwork. That kind of feedback really makes me proud."
The impact of the scholarship has been felt far beyond the classroom. Holli shares how the change to Vandebilt has shifted their daily lives. "It causes us to wake up earlier and have healthier habits with our sleep schedules," she explains. "She has to be there earlier than her old school, and that routine has been good for all of us."
Most of all, Holli sees the Arete scholarship as a blessing that has lifted a weight from her shoulders. "We would not be able to do this without Arete," she says with gratitude. "It has allowed Khloe to be surrounded by people who encourage her daily, and that has helped her grow."
When asked what she would say to the donors who make Arete scholarships possible, Khloe does not hesitate. "I would like to say thank you for being so generous and helping me go to Vandebilt," she says. "It has really made a difference."
Holli echoes her daughter's gratitude. "This scholarship has been such a blessing. It inspires Khloe to keep striving and working hard. We are just very grateful."
As Khloe continues her eighth-grade year, her path is bright with possibility. With dreams of becoming a lawyer, a love of English, and a newfound confidence in her abilities, she is stepping into the future prepared and inspired. The Arete scholarship has given her more than access to a great education; it has given her the chance to dream bigger and believe in what is possible.