Foundations in Education Honors 102 Leaders of Tomorrow
October 29, 2025 | Foundations in Education | News
Foundations in Education hosted its annual Leaders of Tomorrow Breakfast on October 9, celebrating 102 outstanding students from Catholic elementary schools across the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Established in 2017, the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program is a signature initiative of the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund. The program provides need-based tuition assistance to students recognized by their principals for their academic excellence, strong character, and leadership potential. The breakfast honors both the students and the generous donors whose support makes Catholic education possible for hundreds of children each year.
Sponsors of the program receive updates and photos from the students they support and are invited to this annual event to meet the young leaders and their families in person.
The morning began with a warm welcome from Holly Doherty-Lemoine, Executive Director of Foundations in Education, who congratulated the students and their parents—acknowledging parents as their children’s first teachers. She credited Bishop Frank J. Caggiano for inspiring the program, noting that “his commitment to forming faith-filled leaders guides all we do.” Doherty-Lemoine also extended her gratitude to the Foundation’s trustees, staff, and donors for “investing in our children’s future and transforming young lives.”
Stacie Stueber, Superintendent of Schools, congratulated the students for “living their faith, being leaders for their schools, and true leaders in faith.”
Philanthropist and LOT sponsor Dan McAuliffe shared his reflections on the impact of Catholic education, noting, “Catholic educational opportunities, particularly in the early formative years, have long provided children with a challenging, caring, and character-building, faith-based head start in life.” He added, “What convinces me to support a Leader of Tomorrow student are three things: there’s a demonstrated need in Fairfield County, a ready solution in excellent Catholic schools, and a process through Foundations in Education that makes it possible. With those elements providing the foundation for a successful investment opportunity—let me explain the part from the heart—it gives me great joy!”
The highlight of the event came when sixth grader Audrey Cadet, from St. James School in Stratford, addressed the audience of more than 300 guests. “Even though I am young, my Catholic education has shaped who I am today, and because of that, I know I am going to succeed in life,” Audrey shared. “From the first day, I loved St. James School. My differences were embraced by my classmates, and my teacher spoke about God and kindness daily.”
Audrey expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donors who make the program possible: “Without the support of generous donors like the ones who support Leaders of Tomorrow, I would not be standing here. Because of you, I promise I will work hard, put God first, and always show kindness to others. I will remember to always trust His plan.”
Through the Leaders of Tomorrow program, donors help subsidize the cost of Catholic elementary school tuition for one or more students, providing up to $6,000 per year for a full scholarship, $3,000 for a partial, or $1,500 for a quarter scholarship. These “investors in education” not only transform the lives of students but also experience the joy of giving—helping to build the next generation of faith-filled leaders.
If you are interested in sponsoring a Leader of Tomorrow student, contact Holly Doherty-Lemoine at holly@foundationsineducation.org. If you wish to learn more about the scholarship program, contact Hannah Gibson at 203.416.1509 or hgibson@foundationsineducation.org.
