From a New City to New Confidence: How One School Transformed Ezekiel’s Future

Marijohn and her son, Ezekiel, had never imagined they would one day call New Orleans home. In June 2018, they packed up their lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and embarked on a journey toward new opportunities. For Marijohn, the decision was deeply rooted in her desire to build a better life for her son. She longed to be closer to family, knowing that a strong, supportive community would give Ezekiel the foundation he needed to truly flourish. Moving to New Orleans represented more than just a change of scenery — it was a leap of faith toward a brighter, more stable future. 

When Ezekiel was accepted into St. Augustine High School, Marijohn knew she had made the right choice. Now in his second year at the school as a ninth grader, Ezekiel is thriving in ways she had only dreamed of. Since the move, she has watched with joy as Ezekiel has opened up in ways she hadn't seen before — speaking with more confidence, making new friends, and embracing new experiences with a sense of excitement and assurance.

It was Marijohn’s sister who first introduced her to Arete. With her own daughter enrolled at an Arete partner school, she knew the program could provide the financial support Marijohn needed to make St. Augustine a reality for Ezekiel. Grateful for the opportunity, Marijohn embraced the change, knowing the school’s strong sense of community would shape her son’s future in profound ways.

From the moment Ezekiel walked through the doors of St. Augustine, he felt a sense of belonging. The men who teach and mentor at the school aren’t just present in the classroom; they show up at games, at events, and in the lives of their students outside of school hours. They make it clear that their investment in these young men goes beyond academics—they are there to guide them, uplift them, and prepare them for life beyond high school.

“I’m so thankful for the men at St. Augustine. They show up for the students and are active in their lives. They show up not only at school but in life as well.”

Ezekiel, who plays on both the Junior Varsity and Freshman baseball teams, has blossomed since joining St. Augustine. His posture is straighter, his confidence higher, and his dreams bigger. Marijohn has noticed the way he carries himself now, with a newfound sense of pride and self-assurance that she knows stems from the support of his teachers, coaches, and peers.

“My mother says it best, Ezekiel carries himself with more confidence since attending St. Augustine. The school has instilled so much confidence in him. Before attending, he was shy and reserved. Now, he is a leader, he is active in sports, and he is excited to pursue all St. Augustine has to offer him.”

One of the aspects Marijohn appreciates most about St. Augustine is its deeply connected alumni network. These former students never truly leave; they return to the school, to the games, to the events, and most importantly, to the young men following in their footsteps. They remind Ezekiel and his classmates that success is not just measured on the field but in the classroom as well. They show these young men what they can become—not just athletes, but scholars, leaders, and pillars of their communities.

“The alumni who visit show the students that they don’t have to just be good at sports. They can be CEOs, engineers, or entrepreneurs. They show what it means to be a respected adult and well-rounded individual.”

For Marijohn, moving to New Orleans was a leap of faith, but every day, she is reassured that she made the right decision. St. Augustine is more than just a school—it is a brotherhood, a place where young men are molded into the best versions of themselves. As Ezekiel continues his journey, Marijohn remains grateful for the unwavering support that surrounds him, knowing that with each passing year, he is growing into the man he is meant to be.

“I hope Ezekiel finishes his high school career at St. Augustine. I hope he embraces all the school has to offer to him, and that he becomes a proficient adult.”

She is also deeply appreciative of Arete's donors, whose generosity makes a difference in the lives of students like Ezekiel. Their contributions do not go unnoticed, and Marijohn is forever grateful for the opportunities they provide.

“Every dollar helps. Whether you only donate for one year or you’ve been donating for multiple years, the donations help in so many ways. For some students, the year you donate could be the most defining year of their lives. That year could stick with them for five to 10 years. Thank you for your generous contributions.”

Through faith, perseverance, and the support of a strong community, Marijohn and Ezekiel have found a home at St. Augustine—a place where the past, present, and future come together to shape young men into exceptional individuals.