An Evening of Empowerment: Arete Scholars, Supporters, & Families Unite to Celebrate the Power of Education

On a memorable October evening at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Arete Scholars gathered alongside devoted supporters, school officials, and families for a night filled with heartwarming connection and deep reflection. It was a celebration not just of the incredible achievements of our scholars, but of the transformative power of school choice.

The night was made all the more special by the heartfelt insights shared during a Q&A panel led by Arete President Arthur Dupré. Joining him were Randy Hicks of the Georgia Center for Opportunity and Tim Bentsen of Synovus Financial Corp., both champions of educational opportunity. Together, they shed light on the impact of school choice on our community.

But it was the story of the Elle family that truly moved the room. Becky, along with her children Isaac and Abby, shared their deeply personal journey with Arete Scholars. Becky opened up about the challenges of parenting, especially when doing so on her own. She spoke candidly about the overwhelming weight of responsibility, and how Arete and its supporters have been a lifeline. "It takes a community to raise our children," she said, her voice full of gratitude. "And each of you here tonight—whether you realize it or not—are a vital part of that community for families like mine."

As Becky's words hung in the air, there was a palpable sense of shared purpose in the room. The support from everyone present, the generosity that makes moments like these possible, was not just about scholarships—it was about changing lives.

This unforgettable evening would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our event sponsors:

- Gallagher, who graciously donated the stunning venue at Mercedes-Benz Stadium,

- Gas South, for serving the delicious food that kept spirits high throughout the night,

- Al & Toni Petrangeli, for sponsoring the bar, ensuring that the celebration flowed smoothly.

To all who attended and made the event possible, thank you for being part of this journey and for believing in the power of education to change futures.