Mom Liz Suber graduated from IHM School and has taught third grade there for 18 years. She and her husband Vincent, a public school principal, are also IHM parishioners. Education is important to them, so when they welcomed their twins, Vincent and Violet, they wanted to ensure the children had the benefit of a Catholic education.

“It’s important that my children get the same type of quality, Catholic education that I did,” Liz said. “But with twins, two tuitions always come due at the same time.”

That can be difficult, so the Subers take advantage of all available assistance to help make their dream of a Catholic education possible for Vincent and Violet, who are now IHM fourth graders. Liz said the school informs parents about all types of financial assistance for tuition, including Fund A Dream and EdChoice, programs that “make tuition at Catholic schools more affordable,” explained Bibiana Seislove, IHM principal. She encourages parents to apply for EdChoice, but said sometimes they need additional assistance, so the school and the Diocese of Cleveland help parents explore other options to help with tuition costs.

“Our families and teachers make sacrifices to obtain a quality Catholic education for their children, which is why programs like Fund A Dream are so important,” Bibiana said.

The Subers decided to explore all opportunities, including Fund A Dream, an innovative scholarship program that allows sponsors an opportunity to “adopt” a student by donating $2,500 to help with tuition costs. Sponsors can receive updates about their adopted student throughout the school year. The Stuber family was awarded a Fund A Dream scholarship in each of the past three years, which has been a big help financially, Liz said.

There are 335 students in pre-K to grade 8 at IHM this year.

“We are so blessed to be able to offer the Fund A Dream program to our families. Our students and families are so grateful to their Fund A Dream sponsors,” Bibiana said. “We try to include the sponsors in as many opportunities at school as possible so they can see how their investment is helping the students.”

“There are a lot of great opportunities for Vincent and Violet to expand their interests at IHM,” Liz said. Vincent joined the drama club and will be involved in the school play, “The Wizard of Oz,” in April. He also plays CYO basketball. Violet plays CYO volleyball and basketball and both children are members of the school Lego Club.

Fund A Dream scholarship recipients are encouraged to write thank-you letters to their sponsors. The donors also are invited to attend school programs and Masses, as well as other events, allowing them to interact with the students and families, Bibiana said.

The Subers are pleased with their experience at IHM and the assistance they receive. They also are grateful to their Fund A Dream sponsor.

“There is a great sense of community here at IHM and a great support system. It’s a really great community and we’re so happy to be a part of it,” Liz added.