Arete Scholars

163 scholars. 97% graduation rate. Countless doors opened. 🎓
We are so proud to introduce the Arete Class of 2026. From MaKensie, a national champion powerlifter and future physician, to Joshua heading to Morehouse College, to Caitlyn earning an athletic scholarship to Ottawa University, these scholars have worked hard to get here, and they did not do it alone.

Read more about the graduates and see the impact your support makes possible:

163 Open Doors: Celebrating the Arete Class of 2026 This spring, 163 Arete scholars graduated at a 97% rate, heading to colleges, universities, and careers across the country. Meet the students behind the milestone and the community that made it possible.

Please join us in welcoming Ashley to the Arete Scholars team as our new Vice President of Development!

Ashley is passionate about expanding educational opportunities for students and families and is excited to help grow the support that makes our mission possible. Her heart for youth development, combined with her experience and leadership, will help Arete continue creating life-changing opportunities for scholars across our communities.

We're thrilled to have her on the team and can't wait to see the impact she'll make.

Get to know Ashley here: https://www.aretescholars.org/news/meet-ashley-aretes-new-vice-president-of-development

Please join us in welcoming Paige, Arete Scholars' Director of Marketing and Communications!

Paige is passionate about sharing the stories that bring our mission to life and highlighting the lasting impact educational opportunity has on students and families. Through strategic communications, storytelling, and brand leadership, she helps ensure the heart of Arete's work is reflected in everything we do.

We're grateful to have Paige helping tell the stories of our scholars, families, and partners, and can't wait for you to learn more about her.

Get to know Paige here: https://www.aretescholars.org/news/meet-paige-director-of-marketing-and-communications

Congratulations to Miley from St. Charles Catholic High School and Nicholas from Pope John Paul II High School on their graduation!

Miley is headed to Delgado Community College to study Radiologic Technology, and Nicholas will attend LSU to pursue Civil Engineering.

The team at Arete can't wait to cheer you on!

https://www.aretescholars.org/news/alumni

Congratulations to Devin and Caitlyn from De La Salle High School on their graduation!

Devin is headed to Millsaps College to study Business, and Caitlyn will attend Ottawa University to study Applied Psychology.

The Arete Scholars team is proud of both of you and excited for what comes next!

https://www.aretescholars.org/news/alumni

We’re inspired to see schools across the country being recognized for expanding educational opportunity and empowering students through school choice. Arete Scholars is especially proud to celebrate our partner schools, SOAR Academy Augusta in Georgia and St. Mary's Academy, in Louisiana, for receiving national recognition and awards for the incredible impact they’re making in the lives of students and families every day. Congratulations to these outstanding school communities for leading with excellence, innovation, and purpose!

Read more here: https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_978d7d50-393b-45f2-afb2-e7c0a93f56d6.html

School choice Yass Prize awards continue, $20M worth of grants awarded nationwide (The Center Square) - School choice awards continue nationwide through a Yass Prize launched five years ago.

Congratulations to Darrence from St. Augustine High School and Allie from Northlake Christian School on their graduation!

Darrence is headed to Southern University to study Business Administration, and Allie is headed to Pearl River Community College to pursue Nursing.

Darrence and Allie, the team at Arete can’t wait to see where life takes you!

https://www.aretescholars.org/news/alumni

Congratulations to Amiya from St. Mary's Dominican High School and Janie from St. Charles Catholic High School on their graduation!

Amiya is headed to Grambling State University to pursue Criminal Justice, and Janie will attend Baton Rouge Community College to study Vet Tech.

Amiya and Janie, the team at Arete can’t wait to see you succeed!

https://www.aretescholars.org/news/alumni

Congratulations to Juan from St. Louis Catholic High School and Brooklyn from Prairie View Academy on their graduation!

Juan is headed to SOWELA to study Industrial Instrumentation, and Brooklyn is headed to Delta Community College to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse.

Juan and Brooklyn, the team at Arete can’t wait to see what you accomplish!

https://www.aretescholars.org/news/alumni

Join us in congratulating MaKensie, the 2026 Arete Scholars Graduate of the Year!

A graduate of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School in Louisiana, MaKensie has made a lasting impact through academic excellence, leadership, and service. From completing more than 100 hours of community service to serving as Youth of the Year with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Louisiana, she has consistently led with compassion, determination, and purpose.

As she prepares to pursue a degree in Biological Science, MaKensie is driven by a passion to create meaningful change in healthcare and serve others through her future career.

“The path ahead excites me because I know exactly why I am walking it. I want to be part of the change I have spent my life waiting for. I am not just stepping into a profession. I am stepping into my purpose.”

We are proud to celebrate all MaKensie has accomplished and can’t wait to see the difference she will continue to make in the future. Congratulations, MaKensie!

Read more about MaKensie here: https://www.aretescholars.org/news/makensie-of-pope-john-paul-ii-high-school-named-2026-arete-scholars-graduate-of-the-year