Students at Calvary Christian Academy recognize Tower Hill for scholarship program support

Ormond Beach Observer
Your Town

Fourth grade students at Calvary Christian Academy recognized insurance company Tower Hill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, for its monetary support of the Step up for Students organization, which has enabled 274 students to attend the academy on a need-based Florida Tax Credit scholarship program.

“So many families don’t have the ability on their own to choose the right option for their kids, and this scholarship gives them that opportunity," said Joe Pfountz, chief financial officer of Step up for Students.

More than 3,200 Volusia County children benefit from the scholarship. One of them is Calvary Christian Academy fourth-grader Mia Rauseo.

Fourth-grader Mia Rauseo shares her experience attending Calvary Christian Academy thanks to Step up for Students. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Rauseo's mother also attended Calvary Christian Academy when she was young. Rauseo said her family knew private school would be expensive on their own and were excited when they found out Step up for Students could lend them a hand with tuition.

“When I started here at Calgary Christian Academy, I liked my new classmates and teacher and I felt right at home," Rauseo. "I already feel I’ve learned so much.”

Tower Hill insurance, which is based in Gainesville, has contributed more than $3 million since 2011 to Step up for Students, which has helped provide scholarships to more than 600 students in order for them to attend private schools, or financial assistance for transportation to attend an out-of-district public school.

“By investing in the future of our students, we are investing in the future of Florida,” said Don Matz, president of Tower Hill. “One of our top priorities at Tower Hill is to give back to our community as much as we can, and we choose to start with these deserving students.”