YOUTH WITH Valley Christian Schools’ financial assistance programs play a vital role in ensuring the economic diversity in the student body by allowing qualified candidates from all economic circumstances to enroll and attend our school. In the 2020-2021 school year, 310 students received $3,319,184, and our financial assistance needs increased by $412,540.17, a 14% increase from the previous year. With support of generous donors, we were able to meet those needs in financial assistance. One of the most critical components of raising this money is our Stand Up for Valley’s Kids program. Each year at the Quest Ball, attendees have an opportunity to make a direct donation to help students in need. Through Stand up for Valley’s Kids and Youth With Promise, we are partnering with you to change the lives of VCS Warriors.
ALUMNI Spotlight | Ashley Marquez, ‘16 “Valley inspired my spiritual growth in a way that was fun, refreshing, and not overbearing. To this day, I miss the chapels.”
When Ashley Marquez was looking for a high school to transfer into her junior year, she wanted to find a school that fit her spiritually while also offering elite academic and extracurricular programs. Valley Christian Schools ultimately became a place where she leaned on her teachers, classmates, and coaches during times of need. After experiencing a family tragedy during her senior year, Ashley experienced love and support she’d never felt at any other time in her educational past. “Every single day for months, my teachers and classmates held me up and directed me to Jesus. I do not think I would have the relationship with Jesus that I have right now if I had to do it alone. I cannot thank the Valley Christian community enough for their love, guidance, support, and understanding.” Ashley credits Valley Christian for its approach to worship.
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Ashley thrived in both the classroom and in athletics. Playing on the varsity basketball team, she realized that her high school ambitions were to earn collegiate athletic and academic scholarships. Amazingly, she achieved both these goals. Ashley appreciated every moment of participating in Warrior athletics and noted the school feels like a big family. “I always felt a sense of support on and off the court, and it seemed like everyone on campus cared about me.” Valley Christian High School helped Ashley achieve her collegiate dreams as she gained acceptance into DePaul University, St. John’s University, Dominican University, Cal State Chico, and San Jose State University. Ultimately landing at San Jose State, where she is studying Business Administration Management, Ashley shares, “I would like to personally thank all the donors who help keep Valley Christian in order. No matter how large or small your gift to the school is, it is appreciated by current and former students like myself,” said Marquez. Your donations to the WARRIOR FUND and Youth With Promise make it possible for many other students to receive Valley Christian Schools’ quality education and nurturing environment that helped Ashley Marquez to thrive. The generosity of donors allows students to receive the true mission of Valley Christian Schools. Please contact Associate Director of Annual Giving Mark DeLuca at mdeluca@vcs.net to find out how you can support more students like Ashley.
