Meet Lota from PS Academy
February 13, 2024
Meet Keith Lotatoa “Lota” Ward, a sophomore in his first year at PS Academy in Gilbert. His mom, Rowena, shared with the Arizona Leadership Foundation details about Lota’s medical condition and how the opportunity to have school choice has been life-changing for their family.
From Rowena about Lota:
Lota was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive brain tumor in 2014. In 2018, his neurological team went after the tumor aggressively and after nine hours on the operating table, the tumor was successfully removed. We were ecstatic as we thought Lota was finally free of this illness, but our joy was short lived, despite the successful removal of the tumor, the operation has left our boy with a brain injury.
In the past two years, it became very clear to me that Lota needs a school that caters to his needs as a student with a brain injury. The programs offered at our local public school did not seem to fit his needs. Lota has made it clear to me that he wants to go to college, live on his own and work to make his own money. I love that Lota dreams big, but as his mother, I know that he needs the right school setting to work towards making his dreams a reality.
As I researched school options, I felt more and more discouraged because of the costs. As a single mom, recently transplanted to Arizona, I didn’t know how I could give Lota a chance at attending a good school that would help prepare him for the future. PS Academy provides the type of environment I was looking for in a school for Lota to attend. I appreciated that they put an emphasis on teaching each student to live independently and successfully transition into adulthood. The staff and faculty at PS Academy are well equipped to work with special kids like my son. Through PS Academy, I was introduced to Arizona Leadership Foundation (ALF) and other donors. This has been a blessing for our family. With ALF’s help, I no longer have to worry about the cost of my boy’s school and tuition. At school Lota enjoys STEAM, history, basketball and Car Club. He loves running with his dog in the neighborhood. When he looks to the future, he wants to be an engineer like his father or an auto mechanic. Being involved in these school activities has fostered his areas of interest and given him additional exposure to potential opportunities down the road.
From Rowena about The Arizona Leadership Foundation:
The scholarship Lota received from Arizona Leadership Foundation has opened doors for him that I as a single mother never thought were possible. This scholarship is giving Lota a chance to live life like any other young adult through the preparation provided at PS Academy. As a mother, my heart is full of gratitude and peace, having ALF on my side as I strive to provide my son with the best learning environment. Thank you to all of the ALF donors for their support and generosity.
From Lindsey Cordello, History Teacher at PS Academy about Lota:
Keith ‘Lota’ Ward has made measurable success in the short time he’s been at PS Academy. Although Lota has more obstacles to overcome than some of his peers, he comes to school with a smile on his face ready to learn. He has made friends amongst his peers in and out of the classroom. It’s incredible to see the support and encouragement the students and staff on the basketball team has shown him as he practices with them on Fridays. He has grown more independent in his ability to adapt and follow school schedules/routines. The environment PS Academy provides gives Lota a safe place to be himself and to advocate for his needs.
About PS Academy:
PS Academy Arizona, located in Gilbert, AZ, formerly known as Pieceful Solutions, was founded in 2008 to offer children with autism and other exceptionalities a comprehensive program from kindergarten through 12th grade, and a transition program for older students.
“At PS Academy Arizona, students love coming to school” says Kami Cothrun, Founder and Director of Education. “Why? Because they aren’t defined by their diagnosis. They shine when they identify their abilities, are accepted for their differences, make friends, and discover new skills. They are given the tools and the responsibility they need to be challenged and inspired to excel in school and beyond.”
PS Academy Arizona has had a profound impact on the lives of children and their families. Our mantra is See Past the Label, Focus on the Able! Visit psacademyarizona.com to learn more.
