PHOENIX GRADUATED FROM MONTGOMERY COMMUNITY COLLEGE May 23rd! We added 2 pictures from it.

Phoenix is our firstborn—and she lives up to her name.

She rises.

At just 17 years old, Phoenix is graduating with honors, holding both her high school diploma and an associate’s degree. This fall, she’s been accepted to her dream school—Howard University—where she plans to major in Psychology and minor in Philosophy. Her goal is to become a mental health advocate and culturally responsive therapist—someone who helps others rise, too.

She has worked tirelessly for this opportunity. She’s the student who pushed herself beyond every academic milestone. The teenager who took initiative when no one was watching. And now, instead of coasting after graduation, she’s taken on a “part-time job” researching and applying for scholarships—because she’s committed to making this dream a reality.

But even with all of her accomplishments, we’re facing a barrier that is heartbreakingly familiar: the cost of access.

As a public school teacher and a federal government employee, our careers have always been about service—not profit. But the reality is, in today’s economic and political climate, even stable jobs don’t feel secure. With constant shifts in funding, threats to teacher job security, and proposals that put federal workers on edge, families like ours are living month to month under policies that could change overnight.

We’ve seen what happens when decisions are made from the top that ripple down and disrupt the very people doing the work to keep this country going—educators and civil servants.

We are a family of six, raising four extraordinary children, each of whom is walking the same path of excellence:

Our rising 11th grader is dual-enrolled and on track for her associate’s degree too.

Our son is heading into 9th grade through a high school-college bridge program.

And our youngest—just 9 years old—was an early entrant to kindergarten, already testing a year ahead.

We are pouring into our children because we believe in removing the barriers we can control—education, preparation, and belief in their limitless potential.

As parents, we’ve seen that even when our children go above and beyond—exceeding expectations and preparing themselves for every opportunity—obstacles beyond their control can still stand in the way. This is not about a lack of effort. This is about access.

This GoFundMe is for Phoenix—but it’s also for every family who knows what it’s like to raise brilliant children in a system that doesn’t always see them fully.

How You Can Help

We are seeking $30,000 to help cover Phoenix Paige’s first year at Howard University—housing, tuition gap, books, and essential living expenses.

While this doesn’t represent the full cost, we are actively applying for scholarships, securing aid, and doing everything we can to contribute as a family. Phoenix is doing her part, too—treating the scholarship search like a part-time job—because she’s determined not to let this dream slip away.

We are seeking support to help cover:

Tuition and housing

Books, technology, and living expenses

The peace of mind that comes with knowing she can walk into Howard with confidence

Phoenix has done everything right. She just needs a village now to help her get the rest of the way there.

Whether you give $5 or $500, share this with your circle, or just send up a prayer—we thank you for lifting her up.

When Phoenix walks across that Howard stage four years from now, we want you to know—you helped her get there.

— The Conward Family