Did you know that March is Women’s History Month?

Did you also know that around the world, each year on March 8, people celebrate International Women’s Day?

In honor of those two events, we have planned something special….

March Madness Mission Collection for girls' empowerment and education

Our annual March Madness for Mission Collection has begun! This monetary donation collection takes place during Merici Time Programming and focuses on global causes. Mission Collection is a formative opportunity for our students to become more aware of a global issue and realize their ability to make an impact. This year, we are focusing on supporting the following agencies:

As a goal for our students, we suggest $5.00-$10.00 per student. One hundred percent of the money we collect will go directly to those in need across the globe. This is one small tangible way to teach students the power of collective giving and philanthropy.

One “fun” aspect of Mission Collection is this annual competition among all of the Merici Times to see who can raise the most money over the course of the month. If you would be willing to join in on the fun and support our collections here are some suggestions:

• Offer to pay your daughter a larger-than-usual amount for a task around the house if she donates it to missions
• Offer to match whatever she is giving—challenge her to be extra generous for this upcoming collection!
• Offer a matching grant for the Merici Time class (you can set a limit)

This is one of the small ways we can return our many blessings while helping instill in our young women a sense of solidarity with those in need. Thank you for your support.

SUA Celebrates International Women's Day 2026. 

The theme this year is Give to Gain! Women's equity has made positive gains, but the world is still unequal. International Women's Day celebrates the social, political, and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.

A little history about International Women’s Day: 

• Each year, around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8^th
• The first International Women's Day was held in 1911
• The United Nations officially adopted International Women’s Day in 1975.
• This celebration got women the vote in Russia.
• It is an official holiday in 27 countries. 

ON MARCH 5, SUA will celebrate this special day with artists from various external organizations sharing their art form with us: dance, music, the written word, or murals and mandalas.  Students will break into small groups to participate in these celebratory sessions with both men and women to honor the day!

We celebrate those women who went before us and made sacrifices so that we as women have the right to vote, and the ability to continue our education and choose our profession based on interest and skill, not just on gender. In addition, we will discuss the importance of thinking of those women in countries that do not share the same freedoms and opportunities as we do.  

More about the history of International Women’s Day at: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/