Due to the generosity of nearly 700 donors, St. Mary's Academy's 12th annual Food for Thought scholarship luncheon raised $350,000 for the school's tuition assistance program. Held at the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday, November 16, the event featured nationally known Lewis and Clark expert Rex Ziak, who spoke about Sacagawea and the influence of strong women in history.

Currently, 30 percent of St. Mary's student body receives tuition assistance, at an average of one-third the cost of tuition. "To put the dollars into more real terms, the money raised supports 180 young women who require tuition assistance," says Marjie Sackett, Director of Special Events at St. Mary's Academy. "We are extremely appreciative of the generous donors who have helped offer these young women a financial opportunity to attend our school."

(left to right): Norma Paulus and Mary Clark Frisbee, honorary co-chairperson of St. Mary's Academy Food for Thought.	(left to right): Lauren Thomas, St. Mary's Academy class of 2007, Shannon Thomas, St. Mary's Academy parent and Food for Thought Event Chair, Claire Thomas, St. Mary's Academy class of 2004.	(left to right): Frances Harold and Bob Harold, St. Mary's Academy Board Member and former CEO of Laika Entertainment.

Founded in 1859 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s Academy of Portland, is Oregon’s oldest continuously operating secondary school and one of 716 all-female schools in the country. The student body represents a diverse background of young women from over 30 urban, suburban, and rural communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. St. Mary’s Academy is distinguished by its development of the whole person, and is the only school in the state to receive three U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools awards.