Scholarship money from the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan endowments plus local fundraising efforts have given St. Mary School of Alma a boost in enrollment and energy.
“People are talking about us around town and they are impressed with our students,” said Lisa Seeley, principal. “The combination of Foundation scholarship money and our successful fundraising is keeping our tuition low, so our school is affordable.”
Enrollments have grown during the last four years from 56 to 71 preschoolers and 48 to 77 elementary students thru the sixth grade.
The momentum also comes from the commitment of teachers, staff members, parents, grandparents and alumni. Donations, grants, endowments and fundraisers, including an annual Mardi Gras event, have allowed the school to become self-sufficient and no longer reliant on Nativity of the Lord parish. The Mardi Gras alone raised nearly $80,000 in profit last year, according to Nancy Schultz, business manager.
Seeley said St. Mary is supported because the school provides a family and faith-filled environment. “We celebrate our Catholic faith. We tell our story and it comes from the heart.”
What’s on the school’s wish list for future funds from the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan? Definitely, an updated computer lab, the women agreed.
