Money to Dress Down on Exam Days: Where Does It Go?

SUA Class of 2025 students celebrate the end of exams their junior year in May of 2024. 
Photo Courtesy of Madison Repass ‘25. 

By Paige Kauffman
March 3, 2025

TOLEDO, OH. — For years, Saint Ursula Academy students have had the opportunity to dress down on their exam days for the price of $2. 

Many SUA students wonder why this two dollar fee exists as well as where their money is going. 

Although a yearly price of $16 is not very high, students are still curious to find an explanation. 

A large portion of the reason why SUA “charges” its students is for the good of their community. 

“The idea is to donate to a charity or have the money go to organizations here in the school that give back to the students,” said SUA’s Financial Director, Mrs. Holly Martens.  

Mrs. Martens explained that dress-down money has gone to support SUA Student Council, Labre, After Prom, National Honor Society and one external charitable organization. 

“Student Council specifically does things to support the student body and make SUA a better place,” said Mrs. Martens.  

The money raised from dress-down days has helped Student Council jump-start other initiatives. These include buying pizza for Spirit Week and Intramurals, raising money for student scholarships, creating a fun atmosphere by selling flowers, boo bags, and Breast Cancer Bowl planning.

“We want to teach our community to give back in whatever way possible as well,” said Mrs. Martens. 

The external charity is determined each year based on what is going on in the community or throughout the country. 

“In years past we have supported some of our sister schools. For example, one of our sister schools in New Orleans was hit by a tornado and we sent money for them to purchase supplies and rebuild,” said Mrs. Martens. 

This year, SUA plans to donate to the Seagate Food Bank in order to help support the mission of the Ursuline Sisters.