Father Jim Walther, OMV, pastor, and Judy Kulp, principal, presented the challenge to parishioners at Masses on Nov. 16 and 17. If St. Mary School and St. Mary Church would each raise $10,000, the benefactor would contribute another $10,000, to be used specifically to improve the school's technology program, enabling one-to-one technology for middle school students.

Much to the surprise of all, the goal was met and exceeded within three weeks, Kulp said. The funds will be used to install the necessary infrastructure and bandwidth to enable the implementation of a computer based curriculum, as well as to replace outdated computer hardware.

Middle school students will have one-to-one technology in the fall of 2014, with each student leasing a laptop. The school will also begin transitioning to online notebooks.

"None of this would have been possible without the amazing generosity of one anonymous person, combined with the good will and generosity of St. Mary's parishioners and school families," said Kulp.