Alumni Spotlight: Sonya Rivas

Sonya Rivas is one of a growing number of Holy Redeemer alumni whose students now attend the school. Sonya attended Holy Redeemer Grade School in the early 2000’s. After that, she graduated from Western High School, and she is now the Founder and Owner of Casita Title and Escrow. Her three daughters currently attend Holy Redeemer.

When Sonya went to grade school, Sr. Elizabeth (Tiz) Fleckenstein was still the principal, Ms. Evans was running athletics, and Ms. Ilov was also around. One teacher that had a particular impact on her was Ms. Dan, who had school-aged children and could break down complex topics into comprehensible chunks.

That faith is now the cornerstone of her professional life. "Now that I’m in this field, I look to Deuteronomy 30:9 about being prosperous by doing God’s will," Sonya explained. She believes that running a successful business requires putting God first and having the humility to "let Him take the wheel".

Today, she sends her own daughters to Holy Redeemer because it offers an environment where faith isn't foreign; it's practiced daily. Whether it’s her three-year-old learning the Sign of the Cross or her older children discussing values, the school provides a safe haven from political noise.

Sonya sends her children to Holy Redeemer because it puts her at ease. The academic quality is great, and the faith formation is superb. It was a “no-brainer… the obvious choice,” because her children learn about the faith and grow up in a safe and encouraging environment.

Her advice for current students is grounded in her journey from a grade school student to a business owner: "Just because you think it's hard now, you have no idea what it's like when you get into adulthood," she says. Sonya goes on to say that the friends you have in middle school may not be the friends you have in your twenties when you are ready to find peace. So, even though the social environment may be tricky, always keep God first and trust in His plan.

If you would like a school tour or have any questions, please contact development@holyredeemergradeschool.net or submit a question here.