Toni and I have been proud Marian supporters and volunteers for many years because we firmly believe that investing in the future of girls like Marian students is the best way to give back our community. We were blessed to be able to provide the gift of a high quality education to our children, and we feel strongly that every child deserves that same gift, no matter what their circumstances might be. Marian not only provides an educational foundation, it gives these girls the tools and support that they need in all aspects of their life to become strong independent women.

I know the importance of girls’ education. I was impressed by the students I met at [Girls Night Out] and could tell Marian fosters more than just academic development. Marian Girls are smart, poised, and confident and they have big career dreams.

Marian is a place that truly demonstrates their mission statement. Their number one priority is always the girls. They try to understand the girls’ past, enrich their present, and prepare for the future so as to break the cycle of poverty through well-rounded education.

Marian Middle School challenges its students to achieve their potential, providing a strong academic foundation and the confidence to succeed in life.

I love volunteering my time with Marian Middle School. I’m constantly inspired by the enthusiasm and tenacity of the students and teachers! The leaders at the school know they need to connect students, families, teachers and the broader community to provide the strongest, most well-rounded curriculum possible and to help the students perform to their full potential. The education at Marian helps students find success at college prep high schools, into college, and beyond. They are about to add even more STEM opportunities, and that’s obviously so important since women are underrepresented in these fields. They definitely Educate Girls for Life.

I started my support of Marian because of my late aunt, Sister Maureen Bannister who was one of the foundresses of Marian. Education has always been important in my family and I was fortunate enough to attend excellent schools my entire life. Until a few years ago, my support was purely financial but more recently I have discovered that the most satisfying part of my week is the four hours I spend at Marian tutoring and coaching the young women. They are a delight to work with, they challenge themselves and me and it has reinforced in me how much I have to give to others. Encouraging a young woman to be willing to embrace whatever comes her way and to maximize her potential and seeing that she is taking to heart my encouragement, that makes my week successful.

People often ask me, ‘Why did you get involved with Marian Middle School?’ Originally, I volunteered to help with one project but after meeting the students, the staff, and other volunteers I was hooked on the mission! In my 10 years of involvement at Marian, I have seen how the school not only changes the lives of our students but also that of their families and the community. To truly understand the impact of Marian, I would encourage people to visit the school to see firsthand how these young ladies are being prepared for a brighter future.