• Desire for a structured, values-based education
   
• Motivation to take advantage of a superior high school education
   
• Their inability to meet the financial cost of attending a private high school

The P.O.S.S.E. program is non-denominational and is made up of students and sponsors from diverse religious and nonsectarian backgrounds. The student/sponsor relationship is intended to motivate students to succeed academically while gaining a new perspective on their potential in life.

Most of our graduating students who were enrolled in the P.O.S.S.E. program have gone on to major universities and colleges, including POSSE recipients who were awarded scholarships to Stanford and Notre Dame University as well as other prestigious universities.

Any person or corporation with an interest in finding out more about the P.O.S.S.E. program or becoming a sponsor should contact the Development Office 602-251-2500 or Karen Mankoski at 602-256-4909 for more information.Or, click here to download the POSSE donation form and mail it to Saint Mary's High School, 2525 North Third Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. Thank you in advance for making a difference in the life of a Saint Mary's student.

State Tax Credits

Once again the State of Arizona will allow Arizona taxpayers to designate up to $1000 of your state income taxes to benefit a student at Saint Mary's High School.

The Arizona Tax Credit Act of 1997 allows any taxpayer with an Arizona income tax liability to contribute up to $1000 to qualified School Tuition Organization that assists children in receiving a quality, Catholic education and receive a tax credit against his or her state tax obligation.

Since the CTODP is a non-profit organization they accept contributions in any amount which count as a charitable donation on you Federal tax return. In addition, for 2008 you can claim the dollar-for dollar state tax credit of up to $1000 now due to an increase in credit amounts. NO matter what tax bracket you are in - it will not cost you a cent. No matter how small your tax liability - every dollar is needed to pay a deserving student's tuition.

Academics, self-discipline, community service, morals, ethics, fellowship, and family are the hallmarks on which Saint Mary's was built and continues to thrive. Saint Mary's is proud to say "We don't just teach students how to make a living we teach them how to make a life." But we can't do it without your help.

Saint Mary's is determined to remain a "melting pot" where all students can come together in a "real world" environment. Saint Mary's High School needs your support of the tuition tax credit program to provide financial assistance to our many deserving families.

Your contribution to the CTODP can make a quality, Catholic education affordable because the CTODP will use your designated contribution to award financial aid to deserving students. You can designate funds to any Diocesan elementary or high school or choose to leave your funds undesignated. But we hope that you will remember the special needs of Saint Mary's students when you designate your funds.

Simply write a check to CTODP (Catholic Tuition Organization of the Diocese of Phoenix) prior to December 31, 2008. Married couples filing separately are allowed a maximum credit of $1000 A husband and wife filing separate returns may each claim only up to one half of the allowable $1000. The maximum credit for single taxpayers is $500. Indicate on the memo line of your check "St. Mary's High School" and this will designate your funds will be allocated to families with students at Saint Mary's High School.

Mail your check to:
CTODP, Bank Processing center
P.O. Box 53321
Phoenix, Arizona 85072

Or, click here to download a CTODP donation form. Complete the form and mail it to the above listed address or go towww.ctodp.org to donate online now. CTODP accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express.