A Foundation of Faith: How Brailyn Found Confidence and Community

When Bria began looking for a new school for her daughter, Brailyn, she was searching for more than a change of scenery. She was searching for a place where her daughter could thrive—a community that would challenge her academically, nurture her faith, and allow her to grow into the confident young woman Bria knew she could become.

When Brailyn was beginning kindergarten, Bria began exploring schools in Thibodaux, Louisiana. “We went to the Thibodaux area to locate a school. There were two different ones we looked at, but when we got a tour with St. Joseph’s first, I was able to actually bring her on campus, and that made all the difference.”

Bria still remembers the day vividly—the warm welcome from the staff and the feeling of peace that washed over her as she toured the classrooms. “She got to go into what ended up being her kindergarten class,” Bria says. “The teacher she met that day ended up being her kindergarten teacher when she enrolled. It just felt right.”

That same day, the principal mentioned something that would ultimately change everything: the Arete scholarship program. “He told me about the program and said there were some students at the school who were a part of it. I did my own research, applied, and got the award,” Bria says. “So she was able to attend starting in kindergarten, and she’s been on scholarship ever since.”

Now, several years later, Brailyn has flourished at St. Joseph’s. “Brailyn is a scholar athlete, an honor roll student,” her mother says proudly. “She plays volleyball, basketball, and softball, and she dances. She’s a very hard worker, very determined, very driven.”

But it’s not just her accomplishments that make Bria beam—it’s her daughter’s character. “She’s the sweetest person and loves to help out,” Bria explains. “She has younger siblings at home, and even with her friends at school, she’s always there to lend a helping hand whenever she can.”

Balancing her academics and extracurriculars comes naturally to Brailyn. “She has her own determination and hustle to get it done,” Bria says. “We make sure she understands that school comes first, and she knows that.”

From the very beginning, Bria felt confident that St. Joseph’s was where her daughter belonged. “She was so excited,” Bria says. “Kids can feel when something is right for them. Her reaction to being accepted let me know it was a good fit.”

Even when others questioned her decision, Bria trusted her daughter’s instinct. “People asked if I had concerns because she’s only one of two in her grade level that looks like her,” she explains. “But I didn’t. If something was ever wrong, she would let me know. She made friends right off the bat, and to this day, other parents come up to me telling me how much their kids love Brailyn,” she adds with a smile.

Bria values how St. Joseph’s fosters an environment of inclusion and excellence. “They have big classes, but the balance is there,” she says. “The one-on-one is there. They get the help, the attention, the care, and the resources they need.”

She’s also grateful that the school’s curriculum reflects values important to her family. “The curriculum is inclusive, and that’s important. Representation matters. Their curriculum is hard, but it’s unmatched.”

When Bria learned about the Arete scholarship, she didn’t yet realize how deeply it would impact her family’s future. “After the tour, I knew this was the school,” she says. “But I also knew I couldn’t afford it alone. This was right after COVID, and I had just had my second daughter. I wasn’t fully back to work yet. The scholarship made it possible.”

Now, four years later, Bria continues to express her gratitude. “I’m so grateful and praying that she can continue receiving it,” she says. “It’s been a big help—and still is.”

Looking back, Bria sees how much Brailyn has grown since those first days of kindergarten. “She’s grown so much academically and in confidence,” she expresses. “The teachers are so supportive. Even if she’s not comfortable expressing something in class, I can reach out to them and they get back to me in less than 12 hours. Communication is amazing there.”

She’s also seen how the school community nurtures each student’s individual strengths. “They pay close attention and monitor their academics closely,” Bria explains. “If there’s ever a big change, they reach out. The teachers meet them where they are and help push them to where they need to be—to not only reach their goals but exceed them.”

When asked what she would say to the donors who make the Arete scholarships possible, Bria didn’t hesitate.

“My family, my household—we’re extremely grateful,” she says. “Without the donors, I’m not sure it would be possible for my kids to attend. I have two at the school and another child at home who was recently diagnosed with special needs. Just having all that and still being able to afford for them to get the best education possible—that’s a blessing. Most families don’t have that opportunity.”

She paused for a moment, her voice warm with emotion. “Because of their help, my child gets to go to a school she absolutely loves, a school where she’s growing into her best self. That means everything to us.”