"Aditako bokodan di gawis" = Let us share our blessings

Chronological Updates on SMSSAFF Developments / Activities:

July 5, 2003: US-based Alumni and friends of St. Mary’s School, Sagada, gathered at the St. Lukes and All Saints Episcopal church in Union, New Jersey to discuss how they can be of help to the ongoing "Save St. Mary's School, Sagada initiative. The consensus arrived at was to organize a St. Mary's School Sagada  Alumni and Friends Foundation  in the U. S. A.. In the meantime all were encouraged to donate / contribute whatever resources they can share with their alma mater.

September 20, 2004: St. Mary's School, Sagada, Alumni and Friends Foundation was granted tax-exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (USA) effective May 4, 2004. As such contributions to SMSS Alumni and Friends Foundation are tax deductible under section 170 of the Code. SMSS Alumni and Friends Foundation is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code.

Organizations exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Code are further classified as either public charities or private foundations. During its advance ruling period starting May 4, 2004 to December 31, 2008,  SMSS Alumni and Friends Foundation will be treated as a public charity. [P. S. in subsequent reporting, SMSS Alumni and Friends Foundation may just be referred to as SMSSAFF.]

March 5, 2005: East Coast United States based SMS alumni and friends gathered again in St. Luke and All Saints Episcopal Church in Union, New Jersey to:

• Inform, discuss and evaluate developments regarding the financial crisis St. Mary's School, Sagada is currently experiencing for the benefit of those who still do not know.
• Inform and discuss SMSSAFF's  responsibilities as per its Articles of Association, By-laws and Tax-Exempt status;
• Inform and discuss the 5-Year Development Plan authored by Dr. Dennis Faustino in conjunction with the SMSSI faculty and Sagada Community;
• Come up with possible working committees in conjunction with the above 5-Year Development Plan;
• Plan for a US nation-wide SMS alumni and friends gathering during which one third of the board of trustees will be elected/re-elected; a new set of officers will be elected [it is the newly constituted board which will elect the officers]; proposed working committees will be filled up; take up other business matters; and of course renew acquaintances and reminisce fond memories of St. Mary's School. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the US nationwide alumni and friends meeting will be held on June 18, 2005 at Edwin and Mia's vacation house in West Virginia - ay kate-kateg kano id Sagada.

To read: the minutes of the meeting prepared by Lita Killip, SMSSAFF Treasurer's Report, SMSSAFF's Interim President's Report and Pictorials during the meeting go to [Click on]: March 5 Meeting

Click Here [Pictorial] to view pictures taken by Ernest Killip