Celebrating 14 Years of Dedication: Marilyn Hicks, a Pillar of Arete Scholars

This month marks a significant milestone for Arete Scholars as we celebrate the 14-year anniversary of our Vice President of Operations, Marilyn Hicks. Since joining our team in August 2010, Marilyn has been a steadfast and unwavering advocate for our mission. Her passion for education and school choice has left an indelible impact on the thousands of families we serve.

Visiting Ramah Junior High. Marilyn Hicks (left), principal Paula Blackwell (center), Shelley Knudsen (right).

A Personal Mission Aligned with Arete's Vision

Marilyn's journey with Arete Scholars began in August 2010, driven by a deeply personal connection to our mission. As a mother of six children, Marilyn understood the importance of school choice and the unique learning needs of each child. This personal experience drew her to Arete, where she found an organization committed to breaking down the financial barriers that often prevent families from accessing the education best suited to their children.

"The mission of Arete resonated with me because I believe that school choice for parents is important," Marilyn shared. "Being the mother of 6 children, I understand that each one has a unique learning style and different needs. A parent should be able to choose an educational environment that will best enable their child to reach their highest potential. The financial piece is often the barrier that keeps a child from getting the education that would benefit them most. Arete is there to assist parents, so they have a choice in their child's education."

A Teammate Who Inspires

Marilyn's dedication over the past 14 years has been instrumental in shaping the culture and success of Arete Scholars. Her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

Arthur Dupré, President of Arete Scholars, reflects on Marilyn's impact: "Marilyn has been the heart of our operations for over a decade. Her dedication to our mission and tireless work behind the scenes has allowed Arete to provide life-changing education to thousands of children. She brings a unique combination of compassion and efficiency to her role, ensuring that we serve our families with the utmost care and effectiveness."

Jason Roberts, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Arete Scholars, echoes these sentiments: "Working with Marilyn has been an absolute privilege. Her commitment to the families we serve is evident in everything she does. Her ability to balance the demands of operations while keeping the needs of our students and parents at the forefront is truly remarkable."

Moments That Define a Legacy

Marilyn's tenure at Arete Scholars is marked by countless moments of impact, but one that stands out to her is the journey of the very first Arete student.

"Our first Arete Student has been an inspiration," Marilyn recalls. "She overcame a lot of obstacles in her life with a very supportive community and school. She graduated with honors, went to college and got her degree, and then returned to her community to work and invest in their lives."

Looking Ahead with Purpose

As Arete Scholars continues to grow, Marilyn is excited about the future and the opportunities ahead. 

"I'm excited to bring a new level of structure and efficiency to our organization," Marilyn expressed. "We've seen significant growth over the last three years, and I want to make sure that we continue to have the foundation and systems in place to effectively serve our families."

Delivering Thanksgiving baskets. Shelley Knudsen (left), Arete student (center), Marilyn Hicks (right)

A Legacy of Dedication

Marilyn's 14 years with Arete Scholars have been a journey of dedication, passion, and impact. Her work has not only shaped the direction of our organization but has also touched the lives of countless students and families. As we celebrate this milestone, we are deeply grateful for Marilyn's contributions and look forward to the continued growth and success that she will undoubtedly help us achieve.

Thank you, Marilyn, for your unwavering commitment to Arete Scholars and for being a true champion of our mission. Your legacy is one of service, and we are honored to have you as a part of our team.