As we celebrate National School Choice Week, we’re reflecting on educational freedom’s profound impact on students, families, and communities. This week, we’re not just celebrating the opportunities that school choice offers, but also the incredible stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by it.
Ilen Perez-Valdez: Overcoming adversity through choice
Ilen Perez-Valdez’s story is one of resilience and determination. Growing up, Ilen faced numerous challenges; she was born with four chronic medical conditions that required constant treatment and medication. Her mother, a Cuban immigrant, had to flee her home country at a young age and worked multiple jobs to provide for Ilen and her grandmother. As a child, Ilen’s medical needs were often too complex for the local public schools to accommodate.
However, Ilen’s life took a dramatic turn when she received a Florida Tax Credit Scholarship through Step Up For Students. The scholarship allowed Ilen to attend St. Agatha Catholic School in Miami, where she received the personalized care and support she needed. She went on to attend Immaculata-La Salle High School, where her education was tailored to meet her unique needs. Thanks to the flexibility of school choice, Ilen was able to flourish in a smaller classroom setting, where she not only received the medical support she required but excelled academically.
Today, Ilen attends the University of Miami on a full academic scholarship and is pursuing a degree in neuroscience. She attributes her success to the opportunities she was given through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship. Ilen now advocates for other children who face similar challenges, sharing her story to help others understand the life-changing impact of school choice.
Caitie Barnes: A story of resilience and opportunity
As a child, Caitie underwent open-heart surgery, which required special care and attention throughout her education. Her family faced significant financial challenges when her father was laid off during the recession, making it difficult to afford private school tuition. But, thanks to private school financial aid and, later, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship when her family moved from Tennessee to Florida during her junior year, Caitie could continue her education at a school that could meet her academic and medical needs.
When her family relocated due to her father’s new job at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, Caitie found a perfect fit at Rocky Bayou Christian School. There, Caitie thrived in a supportive environment, graduating as class valedictorian. Today, Caitie attends Covenant College and is pursuing a psychology degree with a pre-law concentration and a minor in community development. Caitie’s story is a testament to the power of educational choice and the doors it can open for students facing personal challenges.
Why these stories matter
Ilen and Caitie are just two shining examples of the countless lives transformed by the power of school choice. Their stories are a powerful reminder of why it’s crucial to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education regardless of their background, circumstances, or medical needs.
As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I can attest to the life-changing impact of educational choice. My family’s journey was forever transformed by the opportunity to choose the best educational path. This is not just about policy; it’s about real families, real futures, and the incredible potential that can be unlocked when students are given the chance to thrive in the environment that works best for them.
As we close out National School Choice Week, let’s remember that our children’s future depends on the opportunities we provide today. Every child deserves the chance to succeed, and with the freedom to choose the education that best fits their needs, we unlock limitless potential. Let’s continue to stand together, celebrate our progress, and fight for even more opportunities so that every student, like Ilen and Caitie, has the chance to thrive.
The power to change a life starts with choice, and that choice is in our hands.
