Governor Kay Ivey on Friday concluded School Choice Week by introducing the Davis family who utilizes the CHOOSE Act, the governor’s education savings account, ESA, program. Doug and Marinella Davis homeschool their four adopted children. Both Rikardo “Riko” (12) in 7th grade and Hanna (11) learning 3rd – 5th grade are supported by the CHOOSE Act. The two younger children, Benedict (9) and Bernadette (8) are biological siblings and studying at a 2nd grade level.
“Although School Choice Week may be coming to a close, my commitment to putting students first and advancing school choice efforts like the CHOOSE Act remains strong,” said Gov. Ivey. “Every child deserves an education that fits their needs – and for the Davises, that best choice is homeschooling.”
Doug and Marinella’s foundation centers around faith, family and education. Homeschooling gives them flexibility, while also being immersed in the children’s education and faith.
To other Alabama parents, Doug and Marinella advised regarding the CHOOSE Act, “We highly encourage other Alabama families to apply. We are very fortunate to be able to use CHOOSE Act funds, because it has been tremendous for our family.”
As a family, they all enjoy the outdoors, especially biking and walking together with their dog Custer. Riko is curious, focused and athletic, with a natural talent for math and a love for fixing things. Hanna is joyful and caring, enjoys reading, spelling and history. She loves dancing, especially ballet. The two youngest, Benedict and Bernadette, add their own creativity and curiosity to the family. Benedict is thoughtful, curious and enjoys reading and spending time with his friends, while Bernadette is passionate and crafty with a strong sense of justice.
Marinella added, “Because our curriculum and technical needs are covered, we can use the money we once spent on those basics for field trips and other educational experiences that expose our children to new opportunities.”
Since receiving support from the CHOOSE Act, Doug and Marinella have noticed an improvement in their academic environment at home. The children have their own books, meaning they are not having to share materials. They now have a sense of ownership and pride in their schoolwork.
The Davis family is one of tens of thousands being supported by the CHOOSE Act. In recent months, the governor featured families from across the state, including the Siemens and Tran families in Dothan, Charlie Perkins and Susan Stacy in Mobile, the McDades and the Walkers from Montgomery, the Moseleys in Camden and the Carbonells in Birmingham, and said she will continue highlighting real Alabama families positively impacted by this school choice program.
For applications and more information about CHOOSE Act Alabama, visit chooseact.alabama.gov.
