In 2017, RISE Scholastic Achievements was created to help fund the cost of high school and college education for abused and abandoned children at Casa Vida Nueva para Niños in Nogales, Sonora, MX. At that time, none of the orphaned children were in high school; none had any aspirations of going to high school or college; and there was no money to pay for it.
RISE developed an inspirational/motivational program that promoted the importance of higher education which encouraged all children to stay focused on what their future could look like with a good education. It was a struggle for these abused and neglected children to understand what RISE was offering. Since then, seven students have graduated from high school, four went on to college, but sadly three dropped out. What happened to the remaining student? On May 17, Carolina Ramirez Renteria became the first student to graduate from college with a degree in nursing. Reed Olson from RISE attended the graduation ceremony in Nogales, Sonora, MX; it was a wonderful event.
Carolina overcame all odds from her orphaned beginnings and proved she could do it, if given the opportunity. Now she’s become a role model for the other children who see her as proof that there is hope if one stays in school. Currently, there are two more students attending college as sophomores. RISE Scholastic Achievements wants to thank DHLC, including all the individuals, Sewing Bee, DHLC Foundation, and the Estate Sales team who have supported these children through RISE with their very generous donations. Carolina is proof that with your continued support, love, and God’s encouragement, we are making a huge difference in the lives of these wonderful children. For more information on RISE, visit: www.risesa.org.