Meet Louis from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School

September 25, 2024

Meet Louis, a sixth-grade student, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yuma, AZ. His mom, Kathya, shared with us a little bit about their family’s situation and how the scholarship from the Arizona Leadership Foundation is directly impacting their family. Louis has a sister, Camila, who attends Yuma Catholic High School and is receiving a scholarship from ALF as well.

From Kathya:

Our family situation is both unique and relevant to my scholarship application. As a single mother, I am deeply committed to providing my children with the opportunities and resources that I did not have growing up. My primary goal is to ensure they have access to quality education and personal growth experiences that will help them succeed.

Faith plays a crucial role in our lives and guides us through the challenges we face. Despite the difficulties that come with being a single parent, my faith strengthens my resolve to create a brighter future for my children. I believe that this scholarship will not only provide essential support for their education but also reinforce the values of perseverance and hope that are central to our family.

Our family chose St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School because it aligns with our values and provides a holistic education. The school’s strong Catholic foundation integrates faith with learning, which is crucial for us. Additionally, the excellent educational curriculum, combined with the emphasis on community service and a variety of extracurricular activities—such as the athletic program, music, and various clubs—offers Louis opportunities to grow both academically and personally in a nurturing environment.

From Louis:

What I like best about attending St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is how it combines learning with our faith. The teachers make learning fun and help us understand things well. I also enjoy the different activities we can do, like playing sports, joining music groups, and participating in clubs. It’s great to be part of a school where we can grow in our faith and try new things while getting a good education. I am a member of the chess club, where I recently won a tournament for players among the Yuma County schools. My favorite subject is math. I love math because it’s like solving puzzles and figuring out how things work. It’s satisfying to find solutions and see how different problems fit together. Plus, math helps me in other subjects and in everyday life, so it feels useful and exciting to me.

When I grow up, I would love to attend college, and my top choice is MIT. I’m particularly interested in studying engineering because I’m passionate about solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions. I’m interested in pursuing a career in engineering. I’m passionate about using my problem-solving skills and creativity to develop innovative solutions and work on exciting projects. I hope to apply my knowledge in a field where I can make a significant impact and continue learning throughout my career.

Veronica Lopez, the school’s principal, shared with ALF, “Louis Renteria is a bright young man with a great future ahead of him. He is a diligent student, amazing chess player, and a good friend and student. We are blessed to have Louis be a part of St. Francis School!”

Kathya explained how the scholarships have impacted their family, “The Arizona Leadership Foundation scholarship has made a profound impact on our family. It has eased the financial burden associated with my child’s education, allowing us to focus on supporting their academic and personal growth. This scholarship has brought immense relief and pride, knowing that we have the backing to help them pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. By sharing our story, I hope to inspire others who might be in similar situations and demonstrate how crucial it is to invest in the potential of every child, regardless of their circumstances. Your support has made a significant difference in our lives and helps us continue striving for a better future.”

About St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School:

We at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School believe that a Catholic education should be accessible to all students. By choosing to send your child to St. Francis, you are providing them with a unique opportunity to grow in Christ and be challenged academically. We are committed to have teachers who view Catholic education as part of their personal ministry who partner with families to ensure their child’s success. St. Francis will continue to work towards nurturing the students’ whole self to grow in the image and likeness of God and to become leaders in service and beacons of hope to all.

For more information about our school, please visit: stfrancisschoolyuma.org