hopethrougheducation

From Faith to Future: A Garden State Graduate's Open Opportunity

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:44:45 GMT

Faith & Family: 2025 Hope Gala

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:25:41 GMT

Faith & Family: 2025 Hope Gala

On September 13, 2025, Hope Through Education hosted their annual HOPE Gala at Trump National Gold Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Hope Through Education is an independent 501(C)3 organization that provides economically disadvantaged children with scholarships to attend quality, values-based schools.

Jesse attends Hope Through Education Charity Event

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:52:01 GMT

Jesse attends Hope Through Education Charity Event

A Classical Revival: How a New Jersey Catholic School Went From Almost Closed to Thriving

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:36:23 GMT

A Classical Revival: How a New Jersey Catholic School Went From Almost Closed to Thriving

If OLMC’s success is any measure, the classic approach may be the way to salvage Catholic education in the United States.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Boonton, New Jersey, is characterized by Catholic identity — and discourse, not strict lesson plans. (photo: Courtesy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School)

Mark Di Ionno | Education | August 6, 2025

All the altar boys wore black shoes, something not seen in most parish Masses for decades as church dress became more lax. There were 11 of them, a large number these days, dressed in white surplices over black cassocks. The boys led Father Daniel O’Mullane to the altar for the weekly Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) School in Boonton, New Jersey, after the children had filed in grade by grade: Girls in blue and gray plaid skirts, white blouses and navy-blue sweaters and boys in gray pants and white shirts with ties filled the church.

For Catholic baby boomers, the Friday morning Mass looked like something out of the mid-1960s, when 6 million American children attended more than 12,000 Catholic schools. But if they went into OLMC’s classrooms today and heard classes conducted by open, Socratic discussion and not strict, outlined lesson plans, or heard philosophical discourse on virtues rather than nun-approved rote definitions, they wouldn’t believe their ears.

“We teach that faith provides attainment of a meaningful existence,” Father O’Mullane said. “We teach about what is true, good and beautiful. In the classroom, the animating principles are courage and charity, taught through Christ’s life and the Gospel, and Greek, Roman and Catholic intellectualism.”

There is emphasis on great books and great thinkers, from Socrates, Plato and Aristotle to Jesus Christ, St. Paul the Apostle, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. High schoolers read Homer’s The Odyssey, De Officiis (“On Duties”) by Cicero and The Aeneid by Virgil. Latin lessons begin in grade school.

This ancient and now modern concept of education would be foreign to most people who attended 20th-century Catholic grammar schools, which reached their high point with the World War II generation’s offspring. For those children of Irish, Italian and Polish descent, the emphasis was on following the rules more than creative thinking. Religious sisters, then 200,000 strong nationally, were the predominant teachers, and they ruled with, well, rulers.

As the nuns have passed on, Catholic schools struggled to pay lay teachers, a contributing factor along with aging infrastructure and a decline in church worship that has seen the number of Catholic schools dwindle to less than 6,000 today.

OLMC in Boonton almost became a statistic in 2014, when attendance in the K-8 school dipped to below 70 students and combining grades almost became a means for survival. Then came Father O’Mullane in 2015, who introduced the concept of classical Catholic education — and 10 years later, the school now has 350 students and has added a secondary school called the Lumen Gentium High School Academy.

If OLMC’s success is any measure, the classic approach may be the way to salvage Catholic education in the United States.

According to the Heritage Foundation, there are more than 1,000 classical education schools in the U.S., and 250 of them have opened since 2020. Member schools of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE), such as OLMC, have tripled over the past 10 years. There are 237 today and at least one in all 50 states.

Lucas Fuentes, 18, is one of 11 students who graduated from Lumen Gentium this year and gave up sports, big proms, and other normal high-school extracurriculars to continue OLMC’s brand of education. He started in sixth grade, when his stepfather Douglas Minson came from the Great Hearts network of schools in Texas, Arizona and Louisiana to help Father O’Mullane “renovate” OLMC. “My education here has made me more curious about everything,” Lucas said.

“My classmates are the same way. Most of us stay away from social media and are striving for academic excellence.”

The high school does have a wrestling team and track and field for now, not so much in keeping with the ancient Greek Olympics, but to enhance a “more robust view of the full human person,” which is the way Father O’Mullane explains the school’s educational philosophy.

Teachers weave Catholic history and doctrine and its rightful place in forming Western civilization into every subject, introduced to children before some can even tie their shoes. For example, teacher Kim Marion explained what her first-graders learn about the fall of Rome and the rise of Christianity.

In the story of Christians fearing persecution and hiding in the catacombs, the children discover how the simple fish drawing became a Christian symbol. Early Christians drew the symbol on doors or in the dirt to know if hiding or gathering places were safe, not because of miracles of loaves and fishes, as described in all four Gospels, as some believe, but because the Greek word for “fishes” — Ichthýes — translates to an acronym for “Jesus Christ Son of God Savior.”

Marion began teaching in Catholic schools 38 years ago and spent the first 25 at a school now closed. She came to OLMC afterward and saw the transition.

“Here, we now start every day with prayers, Our Father and Hail Mary, and talk about how beautiful God made our world,” Marion said. “Even in first grade, we apply Socratic thinking, and we have open-ended discussions as they learn about Mesopotamians, ancient Egyptians and Jews, and Greeks and Romans. The children learn by listening and talking.”

‘We teach about what is true, good and beautiful,’ explains Father Daniel O’Mullane of the school’s curriculum. (Photo: Courtesy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School)

“I love what Father Daniel has done here,” Marion said.

“I’m learning, too, and getting the Catholic education as an adult that I wish I got as a child.”

Father O’Mullane, 43, shaped his views at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. “To study at the very heart of the Church and be very much immersed in the Catholic intellectual tradition reinforced that the Church has a lot to offer in the realm of great philosophy and it needs to be offered in Catholic education,” he said.

With his degree in sacred theology, Father O’Mullane took assignments around his hometown of Mountain Lake, New Jersey, a neighboring town of OLMC, including the very well-regarded Pope John High School in Sparta, New Jersey, where he was the chaplain and taught theology. But a short stop at St. Pius X Church in the Garden State’s Montville shaped his vision for OLMC.

“I worked pretty close with the teachers, and I saw how the [grammar] school ran,” Father O’Mullane said. “This isn’t necessarily a criticism of St. Pius [which has since closed], but most Catholic schools became too much like public schools.”

“In a society when people decide what matters most to them, everything else serves that purpose,” he continued. “America is built on the worship of money, so education became the thing that gets you to the place to earn high wages.”

In 1998, during a visit with Midwestern bishops, Pope John Paul II said that “the greatest challenge to Catholic education in the United States today, and the greatest contribution that authentically Catholic education can make to American culture, is to restore to that culture the conviction that human beings can grasp the truth of things and, in grasping that truth, can know their duties to God, to themselves and their neighbors.”

Discussion and study are hallmarks of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.(Photo: Courtesy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School)

Father O’Mullane put it this way: “A society is healthiest when there is the worship of God, and we find joy in virtuous living. These are the virtues described in Galatians [5: 22-23]: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Eze Abosi has three children in OLMC, a fourth-grader, second-grader and one attending OLMC’s Montessori pre-K.

“First and foremost, we wanted an education that centered on our Catholic faith,” Abosi said, “and a classical education with an emphasis on the arts. My kids can read Latin. They can read music. Most weeks they have to memorize and recite a classic poem.”

Abosi, like many parents in the school, says an education that centers on faith and family values looks even better when compared to what is happening in some public schools.

“In these critical years of my children’s development, I’d rather have them learn the things being taught at OLMC.”

While public-school closings during COVID, video learning and forced discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity drove some parents to OLMC, Father O’Mullane says the curriculum is what keeps them there.

“It is transformative,” he said. “We are shaping their hearts with truth, beauty and goodness together, to help them grow into ennobled people.”

Source: https://www.ncregister.com/features/nj-school-revitalized-by-the-classics

Spring Luncheon at Hamilton Farm Golf Club

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:21:52 GMT

Spring Luncheon at Hamilton Farm Golf Club

On April 10, 2025, Hope Through Education hosted their Spring Luncheon at Hamilton Farm Golf Club.

The Catholic Spirit: Welding Lab Opening

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:45:32 GMT

The Catholic Spirit: Welding Lab Opening

On Thursday, February 27, 2025 Hope Through Education joined Bishop James F. Checchio for the opening of St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s new STEM Welding Lab.

Somerset Hills City Lifestyle Magazine

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:56:54 GMT

Somerset Hills City Lifestyle Magazine

December 2024

City Scene

"An inspiring evening at the Hope Gala, featuring awards, performances, and support for education programs."

Faith & Family: 2024 Hope Gala

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:09:47 GMT

Faith & Family: 2024 Hope Gala

Gladstone, New Jersey - September 16, 2024 - On Thursday, September 12, 2024 Hope Through Education hosted their “2024 Hope Gala” at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey. Robert “Bob” Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods, Inc. was the recipient of the 2024 Hope Award, presented by Rachel Campos-Duffy, Host of FOX & Friends Weekend. Reverend Daniel O’Mullane, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Booton, New Jersey, was honored with the 2024 Educator of the Year Award, presented by Jay Webber, New Jersey State Assemblyman.

The evening commenced with inspirational words from Most Reverend James Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, and was filled with a garden cocktail reception, student performances and heartfelt testimonials. Bill Spadea, the top morning radio show host of New Jersey 101.5 FM, was the emcee for the evening. The Chair of the Gala was Amy Williamson, and guests included Emma Watters, Sean Duffy, and Dr. Nicole Saphier, amongst others.

Hope Through Education is collaborating with Goya Cares to bring the Goya Cares educational programs to the children of central New Jersey. Mr. Unanue created and launched Goya Cares, a global initiative dedicated to combating child trafficking and raising awareness of mental health issues among children and teens. This initiative supports nearly 300 charitable endeavors, programs, scholarships, and events that promote culture and benefit overall community wellness.

Hope Through Education is an independent 501(C)3 organization that provides disadvantaged children in central New Jersey with scholarships to attend academically excellent, values-based schools.

For more information visit www.hopethrougheducationusa.org

Contact: info@hopethrougheducationusa.org

Catholic Spirit: Bishop shares in moments of accomplishment, congratulations

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:06:33 GMT

Catholic Spirit: Bishop shares in moments of accomplishment, congratulations

On Sept. 12, Hope Through Education hosted their “2024 Hope Gala” at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone. Robert “Bob” Unanue, president and CEO of Goya Foods, Inc. was the recipient of the 2024 Hope Award. The evening commenced with inspirational words from Bishop James F. Checchio and was filled with a garden cocktail reception, student performances and heartfelt testimonials. Hope Through Education is collaborating with Goya Cares to bring the Goya Cares educational programs to the children of central New Jersey. Unanue created and launched Goya Cares, a global initiative dedicated to combating child trafficking and raising awareness of mental health issues among children and teens. This initiative supports nearly 300 charitable endeavors, programs, scholarships, and events that promote culture and benefit overall community wellness. Hope Through Education is an independent 501(C)3 organization that provides disadvantaged children in central New Jersey with scholarships to attend academically excellent, values-based schools. Pictured with the Bishop is 2024 Hope Award recipient, Robert Unanue. Also pictured is Christopher Rodriguez, Hope Scholar Alumni who delivered the testimonial, alongside his mother, Ayasmin Torres, and his brother Alexis Rodriguez. For more information visit www.hopethrougheducationusa.org

Contact: info@hopethrougheducationusa.org

Source: https://catholicspirit.com/news/bishop-shares-in-moments-of-accomplishment-congratulations

Saint James School Rings the Bell of Achievement: National Blue Ribbon Recognition!

henry@newwavenj.com (Henry Warner) — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 07:20:51 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Basking Ridge, NJ – 10/9/24 – Saint James School celebrates a prestigious achievement, earning the 2024 National Blue Ribbon School Award from the U.S. Department of Education. This coveted distinction places them among the top 15% of schools nationwide and marks the first time a New Jersey Catholic school has received this honor since 2018.

A Celebration of Excellence

Excitement filled the Saint James School gym on September 23rd as the school community awaited the announcement. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona's words resonated, "The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation's students. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child." A roar of cheers erupted, confirming Saint James School's place amongst these distinguished institutions.

A Testament to a Collaborative Spirit

Principal Sue Florendo said with pride, "Since 1965, Saint James School has provided an exemplary, Christ-centered education that has nurtured countless lives. This Blue Ribbon Award honors the unwavering commitment to excellence of our students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and parish community. It's our collaborative spirit that makes Saint James truly special."

Monsignor Sylvester Cronin, in attendance with the school advisory board, echoed Mrs. Florendo's sentiments. "Witnessing this remarkable achievement fills me with immense pride and gratitude to our entire school family," he shared. "This Blue Ribbon signifies not only academic excellence but also the profound impact our Catholic faith has on education. It bodes well for the future of our students and the world at large."

A Legacy of Faith, Love, and Learning

Saint James School is a private, Catholic, co-educational institution serving Pre-K through eighth grades. As a vital ministry of the Church of Saint James and part of the Metuchen Diocesan educational system, our mission is to cultivate Christ-centered academic excellence in all our students. The 2024 National Blue Ribbon School recognition underscores our commitment to fostering a nurturing environment rich in faith, love, and learning.

To learn more about Saint James School or to schedule a tour visit www.sjsbr.org .

Hope Through Education on Fox & Friends Weekend

henry@newwavenj.com (Henry Warner) — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 07:08:00 GMT

On September 8, 2024 Rachel Campos-Duffy interviewed Robert “Bob” Unanue President and CEO of Goya Foods, Inc. to discuss Hope Through Education’s mission, and collaboration with GOYA Cares.

The Five, June 20

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:42:51 GMT

The Five, June 20

Faith & Family Magazine

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:42:46 GMT

Spring Luncheon at Hamilton Farm Golf Club

On April 25, 2024 Hope Through Education hosted their Spring Luncheon at Hamilton Farm Golf Club with emcee, Elizabeth Nader and keynote speaker, Dr. Carol M. Swain.

There is Hope Through Education in NJ

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 16:42:37 GMT

There is Hope Through Education in NJ

Thousands of families would like to get their kids into a private education more suited to their needs, but in this economy, that's a tall order for most. Enter an amazing charity that offers scholarships for kids with limited economic opportunity to get a great education.

For many years I've talked about the crisis in education facing Garden State families. With so many communities suffering from adverse economic and social conditions, the drop in teacher recruiting, and the massive out-migration issue, New Jersey has some issues to tackle for sure.

Thousands of families would like to get their kids into a private education more suited to their needs, but in this economy, that's a tall order for most. In places like Newark, with the abysmal results of most public-school kids unable to read and do math at grade level, there's an urgency.

Thousands of kids are on a waiting list for local charter schools, most will never get a seat. Enter an amazing charity that offers scholarships for kids with limited economic opportunity to get a great education.

Hope Through Education provides hundreds of kids every year get a great education setting them up for success in life. I am a member of the honorary advisory board and was honored to be asked to address the lunch crowd at the Hope Through Education Sporting Clays Classic fundraiser this week.

Thank you to Suzanne Humbert, Rick Ziwot, Terry Conley, Jack Kelly, and the rest of the Hope Through Education organization for the impact you have on so many students and families in New Jersey.

It is a privilege to be on your advisory board and I am passionate about providing disadvantaged children a real chance at succeeding through a quality education. If you are able to help the cause, please click HERE .

Source: https://nj1015.com/there-is-hope-through-education-in-nj/

Bishop addresses guests at Hope Through Education luncheon

Mon, 20 May 2024 16:41:28 GMT

Bishop addresses guests at Hope Through Education luncheon

May 20, 2024

Catholic Spirit, May 20 “Bishop Addresses Guests at Hope Through Education Luncheon”

Bishop James F. Checchio, center, opened the 2024 Hope Through Education Spring Luncheon held April 25 at Hamilton Farm Golf Club, with inspirational words to some 120 guests.

The event included a reception, pop-up shop, and student and parent participation with Call to Heart, an auction during which donors received bouquets of tulips from students in attendance.

The event was emceed by Elizabeth Nader, C.O.O. of the Common Sense Club, pictured right, and featured nationally recognized keynote speaker and best-selling author Dr. Carol M. Swain.

Hope Through Education is an independent 501(C)3 organization that provides disadvantaged children in Central New Jersey with scholarships to attend academically excellent, values-based schools. For more information visit www.hopethrougheducation usa.org.

Source: https://catholicspirit.com/news/bishop-addresses-guests-at-hope-through-education-luncheon

NJ Organization is Helping Kids Pay for Education

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:42:44 GMT

NJ Organization is Helping Kids Pay for Education

Hope Through Education provides scholarships for underprivileged kids to get a quality K-12 education. As their schedules heats up, Bill & Jodi Spadea are making sure to carve out time to support important groups like Hope Through Education and their mission to help less fortunate kids and families.

Hope Through Education provides scholarships for underprivileged kids to get a quality K-12 education.

Last year, our Common Sense organizational leader Elizabeth Nader introduced us to Hope's leaders, Suzanne Humbert and Rick Ziwot. We had a connection immediately.

As our schedule heats up we are making sure to carve out time to support important groups like Hope Through Education and their mission to help less fortunate kids and families.

Jodi was happy to represent us at the annual Spring Fundraiser last week as the group gathered and raised money to meet the goal while Elizabeth served as the emcee.

I'm proud to serve on the advisory board and help draw attention to the mission of helping NJ kids get an education. Appreciate that Jesse Watters from Fox News attended and highlighted the event on his show later that night.

Source: https://nj1015.com/nj-organization-is-helping-kids-pay-for-education/

Hope Gets a New Advocate

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 16:42:35 GMT

Hope Gets a New Advocate

Father Daniel, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish and chaplain of OLMC School and Lumen Gentium Academy, was named to the Honorary Advisory Board for Hope Through Education.

Congratulations to Father Daniel, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish and chaplain of OLMC School and Lumen Gentium Academy, for being named to the Honorary Advisory Board for Hope Through Education.

Hope Through Education is a not-for-profit organization that provides economically disadvantaged children scholarships to attend high quality, values-based K-12 schools. It is the only non-sectarian organization that administers tuition assistance to children in the poorest neighborhoods of central New Jersey.

We at OLMC and LGA have long been privileged with Father Daniel’s insight, wisdom, and vision for an education that shepherds children into their full flourishing. Students and teachers alike count his steadfast devotion among their greatest blessings, while families tell story after story of the positive impact he has made on their lives as pastor of the parish and chaplain of the schools.

It is our great delight, therefore, that he would become an advisor to an institution whose mission is “to help thousands of underprivileged students reach their full potential through the gift of a great education.” The children served by Hope Through Education will undoubtedly benefit from his involvement and advocacy. Even as we cherish his continued leadership of OLMC and LGA, we’re thrilled that he would share his expertise with those in need beyond our community, and we warmly wish Hope Through Education the very best in its truly worthy mission.

Source: https://www.lumengentium.academy/blog/hope-gets-a-new-advocate

hopethrougheducation

From Faith to Future: A Garden State Graduate's Open Opportunity

Faith & Family: 2025 Hope Gala

Faith & Family: 2025 Hope Gala

Jesse attends Hope Through Education Charity Event

A Classical Revival: How a New Jersey Catholic School Went From Almost Closed to Thriving

A Classical Revival: How a New Jersey Catholic School Went From Almost Closed to Thriving ﻿

Spring Luncheon at Hamilton Farm Golf Club

Spring Luncheon at Hamilton Farm Golf Club

The Catholic Spirit: Welding Lab Opening

The Catholic Spirit: Welding Lab Opening

Somerset Hills City Lifestyle Magazine

Somerset Hills City Lifestyle Magazine

Faith & Family: 2024 Hope Gala

Faith & Family: 2024 Hope Gala

Catholic Spirit: Bishop shares in moments of accomplishment, congratulations

Catholic Spirit: Bishop shares in moments of accomplishment, congratulations

Saint James School Rings the Bell of Achievement: National Blue Ribbon Recognition!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Celebration of Excellence

A Testament to a Collaborative Spirit

A Legacy of Faith, Love, and Learning

Hope Through Education on Fox & Friends Weekend

The Five, June 20

The Five, June 20

Faith & Family Magazine

Spring Luncheon at Hamilton Farm Golf Club

There is Hope Through Education in NJ

There is Hope Through Education in NJ

Bishop addresses guests at Hope Through Education luncheon

Bishop addresses guests at Hope Through Education luncheon ﻿

May 20, 2024

NJ Organization is Helping Kids Pay for Education

NJ Organization is Helping Kids Pay for Education

Hope Gets a New Advocate

Hope Gets a New Advocate

A Classical Revival: How a New Jersey Catholic School Went From Almost Closed to Thriving

Bishop addresses guests at Hope Through Education luncheon