Development News

Saint Joseph Academy and Montessori Children's House announce a new scholarship fund established to honor the memory of Sister Mary Faith Glendening, OP, who passed away on January 20th of 2008. During her long history of service, Sister Faith taught high school students at St. Joseph Academy and also brought her many gifts to the people of St. Joseph Parish. Donations to the Sister Mary Faith Glendening Scholarship will help families with tuition assistance and make it possible for more students to experience the outstanding educational opportunities of St. Joseph Academy and the Montessori Children's House. Response to the scholarship fund has been wonderful--for more information, please contact Deb Keller at 517-263-4898 x33.

Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Bill Carey and Patrick MacGuire stopped by Saint Joseph Academy in December and made a $500 donation for scholarships in support of Catholic education in Lenawee county. Accepting the funds was Principal Deb Keller.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America is an Irish Catholic men's organization that started in nineteenth-century New York City.

Organizers have deemed our 1st Family Fall Festival a wonderful success! Over 270 tickets were sold. All 52 trees were purchased and planted. Anyone with pledge money is asked to turn it in. Preliminary totals show over $7,500 was raised. Thank you to everyone who helped with the event, especially the Adrian Dominican Sisters who volunteered their time and provided support. Special thanks to organizers Cindy Melnik, Aimee Weeber, Natalie Moore, Liz Apling, Steve Courtney, and Dino & Julie Piccinini.

These sponsors insured the success of the event: Adrian Insurance, Edward Jones, TLC Credit Union, Hathaway House, Kapnick Orchard, Morning

Fresh, CVS Phramacy, Dr. Michelle Gardner, Michelle & Gary Sullivan, Gregg & Shelley Hardy, Ken Malecke, Deb & David Keller, and Bob & Cindy Melnik.

Anyone interested in helping to organize next year's event is welcome to join a planning committee. Call Development Director Ken Malecke at ext. 40.

Two mini-grants will bring yoga to the Montessori program and boost publicity efforts for our Family Forum events. The prize patrol from the Lenawee County Education Foundation surprised recipents with checks for the projects. Parent Jane Raab and Montessori Director Pam Esterline will coordinate a yoga program for Montessori students beginning next fall. Advisory Board member and parent Margarete Funke and first grade teacher Linda Knape recieved funding for their plans to publicize the many great Family Forum events to a wider audience. Funds for the mini-grants come in part from a donation from United Bank and Trust.

The SJA Alumnae Board met on April 28 (coinciding with the school's Gala celebration) and made generous donations to the school. The new "Adopt-a-Student" program brought $1,615 for the school's scholarship fund. In addition, $4,300 was awarded to our school as a special gift for technology updates. Thank you to all Alumnae who continue to support St. Joseph Academy, and a special thank you to the Alumnae Association Board members!