Changing the Future for Three Sisters

For T’Loria, watching her daughters AnnaRose, AvaRose, and Iv’Rose flourish at Our Lady of Fatima in Monroe, Louisiana, has been a blessing she does not take for granted. Each morning as she drops them off at school, she sees their excitement and confidence shining through. With the support of  Arete Scholars, her girls are not only receiving a quality education but also discovering their strengths, developing their confidence, and finding joy in learning.

“Arete gave my girls this opportunity,” T’Loria says. “And it is changing their lives.”

Her oldest, second-grader AvaRose, is a bundle of energy, determination, and heart. She loves being active, and sports are quickly becoming one of her favorite outlets. “She’s very active,” T’Loria shares proudly. “She loves basketball and track, and this year she’s excited to try soccer for the first time.” But AvaRose’s gifts extend far beyond athletics. In the classroom, she is thriving. She challenges herself to read more and push for excellence, often surprising her mom with her drive. “Her teacher says she’s one of the top three in her class,” T’Loria explains. “She even picks up books on her own now. She’s motivated to do her best.”

That motivation is exactly what T’Loria hoped for when she chose Our Lady of Fatima. She wanted her daughters in an environment where their unique talents would be recognized, where teachers would meet them where they are, and where they would feel capable of reaching their full potential. “She’s motivated in ways I didn’t see before,” T’Loria reflects. “It makes me so proud to see her light up when she talks about what she’s learning.”

For twins AnnaRose and Iv’Rose, both in Kindergarten, this new season has been just as transformative. Their personalities shine in different ways, and together they fill their home with laughter, energy, and creativity.

Before attending Our Lady of Fatima, both girls faced challenges that made school feel uncertain. AnnaRose, though naturally curious and outspoken at home, often held back in group settings. She hesitated to participate and sometimes lacked confidence around new people or unfamiliar environments.

Iv’Rose, on the autism spectrum, had an especially difficult time with school transitions. Mornings were a struggle—she resisted getting out of the car, felt overwhelmed easily, and often became anxious about what the day would bring. Learning in a larger or less structured environment had previously made it hard for her to fully engage.

Since starting at Our Lady of Fatima, everything has changed.

AnnaRose is now the outspoken one, brimming with curiosity and confidence. “She’s very outspoken and catches on quickly,” T’Loria says with a smile. “She’s the one who always raises her hand. She just loves to participate.” Whether it is answering questions in class, learning a new song, or joining in group activities, AnnaRose now approaches school with boldness and enthusiasm—something her mom had always hoped to see.

But the most dramatic transformation has been in Iv’Rose. The school’s patient teachers, structured routines, and warm environment have helped her feel safe, capable, and excited about learning. “I’ve seen a tremendous change,” her mom reflects. “She gets out of the car each day ready for school, and she’s learning just as much as the other kids. That independence and excitement are new, and it means so much to me.” For T’Loria, these moments—simple yet profound—are reminders of just how important the right school environment can be.

At home, both AnnaRose and Iv’Rose love to dance and sing, often putting on performances together for their family. “They like the arts,” their mom explains. “They’ll sing and dance around the house all the time. That’s just who they are.” This creative spark, coupled with the confidence they are gaining in the classroom, gives T’Loria hope for what the future holds for her girls.

Teachers at Our Lady of Fatima have played a key role in nurturing these gifts and helping each child succeed. “Their teachers give them individual attention,” T’Loria explains. “For example, AvaRose is good at math, but sometimes she rushes. Her teacher makes her go back and check her work carefully. That one-on-one guidance helps her grow, and it’s the same for all my girls. They’re supported every step of the way.”

That kind of attention makes all the difference for T’Loria, especially with three children in different stages of development. She is grateful to see teachers who notice her daughters’ individual needs and respond with patience and care. For her, that is exactly what she wanted in a school—a place where her girls would be seen, known, and encouraged.

Behind every achievement, every moment of growth, and every burst of confidence is the opportunity made possible through Arete. Without the scholarship, T’Loria says, she would have faced the difficult decision of sending her daughters to a public school, where larger class sizes might have kept them from receiving the individual attention they needed. “Receiving the scholarship made the process easier and took away a lot of stress,” she says. “It gave me the chance to put them in a school where the smaller classes and individual attention allow them to succeed. I really appreciate it. It was a blessing.”

Looking ahead, T’Loria dreams of her daughters continuing at Our Lady of Fatima through eighth grade and beyond. She knows that the foundation being laid today will carry them far into the future. “They’re happy, they’re learning, and they’re growing,” she says. “That’s all a mother can ask for. I want to see them continue on this path, and I believe they can.”

Reflecting on her journey, she cannot help but come back to gratitude. Gratitude for the teachers who pour into her children every day. Gratitude for the progress she has seen in each of her daughters. And gratitude for the donors who make scholarships like hers possible. “Arete gave my girls this opportunity,” she says again, her voice filled with conviction. “And it is changing their lives.”