When Margaret Robertson became Trinity’s guardian in the middle of her first-grade year, she knew she had to make a difficult but necessary decision for the young girl’s future. Trinity’s mother was unable to care for her, and Trinity was being relentlessly bullied in the public school she was attending at that time.
“All I knew was that she had just started taking her religious education for her Sacraments, and Catholic school would be better for her,” Margaret recalled. “Trinity has such a kind heart and nature, and I wanted better for her.”
Determined to give Trinity the education she deserved, Margaret turned to Queen of Peace Catholic School. Conveniently located near Margaret’s workplace in Mesa, it seemed like the perfect fit—except for the financial hurdle.
“I didn’t know how I would pay for it, but I knew she needed it,” she said.
Margaret’s worries eased when she spoke with the school principal, who not only accepted Trinity into the school but also provided information about available scholarships. It was then that she learned about Catholic Education Arizona (CEA).
“CEA stepped up and has helped fund Trinity since her 1st grade year in Catholic School,” Margaret shared. “Then I met Deb Preach, the Chief Operating Officer for CEA, in person, and she was the nicest person I had ever met. Since then, Deb has worked with me every year to try to get Trinity any scholarship she qualified for.”
Thanks to CEA’s support, Trinity’s academic journey flourished. She is now a junior at Seton Catholic Preparatory High School, excelling in her studies, finishing her first semester with honors, and taking on leadership roles as an Ambassador. She also gives back to her community by volunteering with children with autism through Acing for Autism.
Trinity’s experience at Catholic school has been nothing short of life-changing.
“Going to Catholic school saved my life,” Trinity expressed. “When my guardian took over care me from my mother in first grade, I was being bullied every day in public school. Kids made fun of me and took my lunch. But when I started attending religious instruction at the Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills, I felt loved and cared for. When she told me I was going to Catholic school, I was so happy.”
Since then, Trinity has built lasting friendships and deepened her faith, something she cherishes deeply.
“This opportunity has allowed me to better understand my faith,” Trinity said. “We take a theology class every year, and each year we go deeper into the scriptures. It has also allowed me to continue my Catholic education through high school, and I hope to do so in college.”
Beyond academics, Trinity has embraced extracurricular opportunities, swimming for Seton’s team for the past three years and being selected as a captain. She hopes to earn a swimming scholarship in college while continuing to grow in her faith and education.
“I plan on applying to Stanford, Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, or the University of San Diego, with the hopes of attending medical school to become a child psychiatrist,” she shared. “I want to help children who have faced hardships like mine.”
For Trinity and Margaret, CEA’s scholarships have meant more than just financial aid—they have provided a foundation for a future full of hope and opportunity. Trinity’s gratitude extends to those who make Catholic education possible through their state tax credit donations.
“I would say thank you very much,” Trinity expressed. “Without your donations, me and other kids who get CEA scholarships wouldn’t be able to continue our Catholic education and feel safe in school. Please continue to make your donations so future generations can have the opportunity to learn more about their faith.”
Margaret echoes Trinity’s gratitude. “Without the help from CEA, Trinity wouldn’t be where she is today, with the hopes for the future that she has. Because of CEA, she has dreams and the means to chase them.”
