2017-2018 Leaders of Tomorrow Reception
February 9, 2018 | 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano and Foundations in Education recently hosted the Inaugural Leaders of Tomorrow Breakfast Reception at the Catholic Center in Bridgeport.
More than 160 turned out to honor the 49 young students who were selected as Leaders of Tomorrow.
Leaders of Tomorrow is a unique program of the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund which provides need-based scholarships to students in Catholic elementary schools who were identified by their principals as students of strong academic standing, good character and possessing leadership potential. Donors to the program transform the lives of children through the gift of Catholic education.
The reception brought together students, their families and principals, and the donors who sponsor a portion of their tuitions.
In her opening remarks, Barbara Ripp, the generous sponsor of 10 Leaders of Tomorrow, shared her motivation for donating to Foundations in Education: “In Matthew 19, Jesus said ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.’ He is speaking to all of us in that verse. My husband Peter and I have chosen to help fulfill that command.”
Among the scholarship recipients was Igor Decastro Carvalho, a third grader at St. Joseph School in Danbury, who was accompanied by his mother, Daniela, and his principal, Mrs. Lisa Lanni.
“I sincerely treasured the opportunity to meet the people that make my son’s education possible as well as celebrate my son’s achievement,” said Daniela. “The generosity of our Catholic community is truly a blessing.”
Principal Lanni added, “Because of the generosity of donors to Foundations in Education, my students are able to further their studies and be rewarded for their conscientious attitudes and giving spirits.”
There are currently 27 donors sponsoring 49 students in the program who may otherwise be unable to attend Catholic schools.