Learn More About the Families of CSFP
Taria Garrison
CSFP Students: Makale and Christopher Garrison
Taria has four children. She decided to send her sons to a private school because she wanted them to be taught in a safe environment. Makale is in 4th grade and Christopher is in Kindergarten. Taria is happy with her school and notes that the private school has a small class setting and the teachers and staff make sure all the children are safe. Her son Makale has made honor roll every semester since 1st grade. He has received great terra nova scores and is also great in reading. Makale takes part reading at church and in plays. Taria sees Makale graduating as one of the top students in his class when he is older. She is very grateful for CSFP and its donors. She says her sons are able to receive a top notch education in an environment where education is important to everyone. She says that Makale still remember the “oath” he took when he received the CSFP scholarship to graduate from high school on time.
Taria concludes by adding: “I would just like to thank everyone who started this program and all the people that work hard to get donations. I appreciate so much and it gives me such pleasure to know that other people care about our inner city kids getting a quality education.”
Amanda Hensler
CSFP student: Nexida Sanchez
Amanda is a single parent of two young daughters: Nexida, who will be in 1st grade at Our Lady of Port Richmond and Julieanna. Nexida attends private school because Amanda finds the staff and teachers are passionate about educating children. Amanda likes the fact that the school offers more than education and provides “values and love” which she believes are crucial ingredients for a child’s development. As a recipient of CSFP, Amanda says that the scholarship will allow her to send her daughter to private school in the upcoming school year. She describes Nexida as an “overachiever” who is very focused on academics. Nexida currently participates in gymnastics, has completed 4 years of dance class and hopes to join Cheer Dance in the future. Nexida also participates in soccer during the summer. Thanks to the generosity of the CSFP donors, Nexida is able to attend a great school and continue to grow with confidence and high self- esteem.
“We are truly grateful and blessed to be selected for this award. I know someday my family will be able to give back to the community as much as been given to us.” Amanda Hensler
Rhonda Coleman
CSFP Student: Nyeem Lord Monroe
Rhonda adopted her godson Nyeem when he was two months old. Nyeem was born into an abusive family and Rhonda took custody of him and has been taking care of him ever since. As an upcoming 3rd grade student at Lotus Academy, Nyeem has been succeeding in private school. Rhonda is proud of the fact that in 2nd grade he was reading and spelling at a 4th grade level.Rhonda sends Nyeem to a private school because her godson is able to receive a better education. Describing Nyeem as “big-boned”, she believes that he will experience less bullying at a private school than a public school. The CSFP scholarship helps her to afford Lotus Academy since she is retired. Rhonda wants Nyeem to attend college, but as a 7 year old, his dream is to become a wrestler. He enjoys art and music and is currently taking karate classes and learning to play the electric guitar.
Michelle Carollo
CSFP students: Annelise Foglio and Miranda Foglio
Michelle is a single mother of two daughters, Annelise( kindergarten) and Miranda (4th grade) who attend St. Monica School. Michelle believes that private schools like St. Monica, have more personalized, one on one interaction with the children and that their curriculum is outstanding. Michelle’s eldest daughter Miranda has just joined the school’s choir and wants to attend college to become a dentist. Annelise will start soccer this year. As a first year recipient, Michelle states that CSFP helps out tremendously by allowing her to send her children to private school, providing a better education for her daughters. Without the scholarship her children would be forced to attend schools much farther away from their home. Miranda is very grateful for the CSFP scholarship. Michelle is thrilled that her daughters are achieving at levels she couldn’t have imagined.
