Where are they now? Spotlight on Ethan Saenz
February 24, 2023
Let us introduce Ethan Saenz, who graduated last May from Dream City Christian School with a 4.5 GPA. Ethan is currently attending Grand Canyon University (GCU). Ethan received scholarships from the Arizona Leadership Foundation from Kindergarten through his senior year of high school. We at ALF are so proud that he has translated that support to be able to attend college.
According to his mom, Elsa, Ethan is thriving at GCU. He has selected a major in graphic design and animation. Ethan is enrolled in the GCU honor’s college and continues to be a straight A student. She also commented that attending college has been an easy transition for Ethan due to being well prepared during his high school years.
Ethan would like to someday work for Sony, Marvel, Mattel or Disney. He is currently very involved in the activities that the Art program has to offer at GCU.
Ms. Dockens, Dream City Christian Math Teacher had this to say about him as a student, “I had Ethan in both chemistry and consumer math, he was a great student always willing to help others and participate in all classroom activities.”
Ethan’s dad, Luis, immigrated from Guatemala and went through a long and expensive process in order to adjust his status in the United States. This impacted his ability to obtain employment while at the same time he was struggling with health issues. He had gout in both feet which made it difficult to walk at times. He also suffered with rheumatoid arthritis and multiple episodes of Bell’s Palsy. At this time the family as a whole said they are doing better. Luis was recently able to finalize and complete his immigration process and while he continues to struggle with health issues, he is receiving medical care and currently stable.
Elsa continues to work for Maricopa County in the workforce division as a career advisor and case manager. For many years she has been the sole income in the family.
“I hope our story will inspire other families that may think is not possible to support their children with seeking high quality education in a private setting due to their financial limitations. Our family is a good example of perseverance and faith that all things will work out. We can’t thank the Arizona Leadership Foundation enough for the support we have received through the years,” remarked Elsa.
About Dream City Christian School:
Dream City Christian School is a fully accredited school that serves preschool through high school students. Our curriculum, fine arts program, and CAA competitive varsity athletics teams have made Dream City an educational leader in the Northwest Valley. Extra-curricular programs include the National Honor Society, STEMS (Science Technology Engineering Math, Spiritual), community service missions, choir, drama, cheerleading, and more. Our faith-based and mission-oriented programs are dedicated to building Christian leaders and fostering life long, transformational experiences that grow the whole child.
