St. Mary’s School SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Donor Impact Report 2024
“ We are happy to share the gift of St. Mary’s with others. It’s been a blessing.”
— Scholar Program Donor THANK YOU!
ST. MARY’S COMMUNITY
St. Mary’s Scholar Program 2024 Update
We express our deepest gratitude for your invaluable contribution to the St. Mary’s Scholar Program. Your support has had a profound impact, and we are delighted to provide you with an update on the program’s achievements and milestones. By investing in the Scholar Program, you have transformed the lives of these students and their families and positively influenced the entire St. Mary’s community.
The Scholar Program, a key tenant of our Strategic Plan, provides ongoing scholarships to Middle School students each year. We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to your generous support, we added two scholars for the 2024-2025 school year, for a total of six scholars. In June of 2024, our second scholar student graduated from St. Mary’s.
Our mission is to create a lasting impact on the lives of deserving students by offering transformative educational experiences within the St. Mary’s community. Thanks to your generosity, below are some key highlights and achievements demonstrating our remarkable progress.
The Scholar Program students had an outstanding year, actively participating in school activities and trips, showcasing their talents, and excelling both academically and athletically. The students from Grades 6 to 8 engaged in various school sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer and track. All attended Field Studies to Catalina, Yosemite and Washington, D.C., with several also joining special Intersession trips to London and Silicon Valley. These Falcons served in leadership roles, such as being recognized as standout participants on trips or serving as St. Mary’s Ambassadors. As these students continue to thrive at St. Mary’s, they are prepared for when they graduate and move on to high school. We are proud to have two St. Mary’s scholars attending local high schools and are happy to hear about their successes.
“ For our child, the opportunity of going to a safe school with a high academic level, outstanding principles and values, caring people, and travel opportunities was incredible. These are things that we would have never been able to provide ourselves.” — Current Scholar Family
“ We are indebted to all of you for this great opportunity. We ask God to forever bless you and your families, to guide you, and to keep you.” — Current Scholar Family
2023-2024 Scholar Students
$992,125
Raised Since Inception In 2019
EIGHT Scholars Impacted Since 2019
$77,125
Raised In 2023-24
Includes a special combined gift of $37,975 from the Class of 2024 families
$35,000 Per Year, Per Student
Scholarship amount this includes extra costs beyond tuition including transportation, books, course materials, athletics, international Field Studies.
TWO Graduates Current Freshman & Sophomore at local high schools
FUNDING SOURCES
PAST GALAS, DONATIONS FROM GRADE 8 FAMILIES, ALUMNI FAMILIES, & CURRENT FAMILIES.
THANK YOU CLASS OF 2024
At St. Mary’s School, the tradition of the graduating class contributing a collective gift to the Scholar Program is a powerful way for families to leave a lasting legacy. The Class of 2024 has proudly raised $37,975, setting an inspiring example for future classes. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the families who participated in this tradition, helping to ensure that the Scholar Program continues to thrive.
SIX Scholars Enrolled 2024-25
Your support played a vital role in this success, and we sincerely thank you for your contribution!
Supporting Our Local Community
The St. Mary’s Scholar Program was established in 2018 through the dedicated efforts of our school leaders, Walt Linaweaver and Sharon Taylor, alongside the generous contributions of families and the invaluable partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley. Leaders from the Boys and Girls Club—James Littlejohn, Nicole Watson, Carolyn Kozol, Summer Mejia, and Daniela Burgos—along with our Scholar Program Committee members, played a pivotal role in welcoming our first scholars to St. Mary’s in the 2019-2020 school year. Since then, we have continued to strengthen our collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club in selecting students to apply for the Scholar Program each year.
Enhancing Learning Through Diversity
DONOR LIST
St. Mary’s and the Aliso Viejo branch of the Boys and Girls Club have expanded this partnership beyond the selection of scholar students to support more children in our community. Over the past three years, we have provided an annual average of $600 in school materials, art supplies and games at the start of each school year to the club. These donations have positively impacted the services the club provides to its members. Additionally, St. Mary’s has welcomed students from the club for art and PE classes, outdoor activities and sports camps. Over the past two years, Boys and Girls Club students have also attended our spring musical production. We are excited to continue increasing opportunities for our faculty and students to work with students from the Boys and Girls Club.
St. Mary’s
Scholar Program
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
Thank you to everyone who has joined our community of supporters for the Scholar Program by making a contribution this year. We also extend our gratitude to those who have continued their support by donating again.
All donations made during the 2023-2024 school year will be recognized in our annual Report on Philanthropy this fall. Please scan the QR code to review your listing and email any changes to development@smaa.org.
“ Thank you for giving us and allowing us to live this magnificent experience! It was a precious gift for all of us.” — Current Scholar Family