hi aaron, it sounds like you have been facing two problems:

1. starter had problems. "arcing" the starter with a screwdriver is a traditional way to bypass the ignition switch. If touching a screwdriver between the big starter terminal and the small 'S' terminal worked, that indicates a bad ignition switch.

2. Newest problem. The starter trick no longer starts the car. Now "The engine turns over, the starter engages but its almost like it's not getting spark". Which is way I suggested testing the spark.