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Your Tax Credit Dollars Making a Difference
Student Profile: Issael Altero

Issael Altero, a senior at St Paul’s Academy, arrived in Phoenix six years ago not knowing a word of English. He attended Larry C. Kennedy Elementary School where he entered the sixth grade. Not knowing what to expect, Issael was grateful for the nice teachers and some who knew Spanish. One teacher, Mrs. Ciminski, recognized Issael’s willingness and desire to learn, and observed that he always made the extra effort to do not only what was expected, but a little bit more.

Issael’s determination paid off as he learned English in two years and was awarded a scholarship to St Paul’s Preparatory Academy, a private high school in Phoenix. This tuition scholarship was made possible by Arizona’s private school tax credit. Without these tax credit funds, Issael’s family would not have been able to even consider sending their son to St Paul’s.

Issael flourished, academically, socially and spiritually, at St Paul’s. He is a member of the National Honors Society and involved in a variety of activities including, baseball, soccer, weight lifting, basketball, indoor soccer, chess, volleyball and art club. Issael also makes time to give back to the community by volunteering at United Methodist Outreach Ministries, St Vincent de Paul and Andre House, where he looks after little kids, serves meals and participates in the back to school clothing drive.

Issae’ls hard work and determination did not go unnoticed by the City of Phoenix, Rotary Club and the Soroptomists as he was recognized as the 2004 Phoenix Young Man of the Year. This annual contest honors outstanding young people from around the city for their leadership, community service and commitment to excellence.

Plans for his senior year include advancing in St Paul’s Knighthood system, a character and leadership development program and getting a scholarship for college, where he plans to study mechanical engineering and physics. Issael will be the first in his family to attend college. Issael is grateful for the funding from the private school tax credit that enables him to attend St Paul’s stating, “Otherwise I may have been negatively influenced by others at my public school but here I get personal attention by teachers and counselors who direct me towards my future goals.”