BRIDGEPORT—Today marked Foundations in Education’s third annual Leaders of Tomorrow Breakfast Reception at the Catholic Center. A record high of 53 students were honored this year.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano thanked all in attendance for being there, saying, “We come here to celebrate the great gift of Catholic education, which brings us all together.”
“You are here because God wants you to use everything you have been given to change the world,” the bishop said to the students.
He thanked them and encouraged them “never to take for granted the gift God has given you in the education you are receiving.”
“Your future is bright and there are many doors that will be opened to you. And when I and the rest of us here grow old and we pass on the leadership of our country and our Church to you, it will be in the best of hands,” said the bishop.
The bishop commended Foundations in Education on its great work, thanked and applauded the board and its members, and expressed sincere gratitude to the generous donors.
“As a sponsor and a donor, you are investing in the goals and dreams of these students to be the best possible version of themselves through Catholic education,” said Patricia Zaccone, director of school finance and Leaders of Tomorrow sponsor, speaking of the importance of Catholic education.
This year’s Leaders of Tomorrow student, Liz Arantes, who is in the fourth grade at St. Andrew Academy in Bridgeport was able to share her experience in Catholic schools.
“I think learning about the Catholic faith helps us to be kinder, more respectful toward each other and our teachers and helps build our school community,” Arantes said, thanking all the Foundations in Education and the generosity of its donors. “My wish is for your kindness to spread so others might be inspired to be kind too, and that this opportunity can be available to more children like me.”
Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) represent students from diocesan elementary schools who were identified by their principals as students of strong academics, good character and leadership potential.
Sponsors of Leaders of Tomorrow help subsidize the cost of a Catholic elementary school tuition, providing a life-enhancing gift that helps transform the lives of our students.
This year’s Leaders of Tomorrow:
| School Name | Leader of Tomorrow | Grade |
| All Saints Catholic School | Ella Trudeau | 7 |
| All Saints Catholic School | Chloe Wilberg | 4 |
| All Saints Catholic School | Phoebe Wilberg | 4 |
| Assumption Catholic School | Julia Basseto-Oliveira | 7 |
| Assumption Catholic School | Alana Davis | 7 |
| Assumption Catholic School | Madison Jelks | 2 |
| Assumption Catholic School | Gabrielle Latibeaudiere | 6 |
| Assumption Catholic School | Lorenzo Porzio | 8 |
| Catholic Academy of Bridgeport-St. Andrew Academy | Liz Arantes | 4 |
| Catholic Academy of Bridgeport-St. Ann Academy | Joshua Kalangala | 1 |
| Catholic Academy of Bridgeport-St. Augustine Academy | Kelly-ann Antoine | 8 |
| Catholic Academy of Bridgeport-St. Augustine Academy | Destiny Diaz | 5 |
| Catholic Academy of Bridgeport-St. Augustine Academy | Katherine Rodriguez | 8 |
| Catholic Academy of Bridgeport-St. Raphael Academy | Frederick Ansah-Saforo | 2 |
| Catholic Academy of Stamford | Valerie Alvarez | 6 |
| Catholic Academy of Stamford | Melyssa Dorlean-Moise | 3 |
| Catholic Academy of Stamford | Nathalia Echeverria | 6 |
| Catholic Academy of Stamford | Isabella Quintero | 3 |
| Greenwich Catholic School | Milena Lencyk | 4 |
| Greenwich Catholic School | Quinn Lombardo | 6 |
| Holy Trinity Catholic Academy | Abigail Aufiero | 4 |
| Holy Trinity Catholic Academy | Roberto Lopez | 5 |
| Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy | Allison Edouard | 8 |
| Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy | Briggytte Interiano | 1 |
| St. Aloysius School | Maya Ruszczyk | 6 |
| St. Catherine of Siena School | Maddux Vargas | 5 |
| St. Gregory the Great School | Sergio Gonzalez | 4 |
| St. James School | Conner Lilliedahl | 6 |
| St. James School | Adrianna Ralabate | 1 |
| St. James School | Samantha Roman | 6 |
| St. James School | Shyanne Roman | 8 |
| St. Joseph Catholic Academy | Cameron O’Rourke | 7 |
| St. Joseph Catholic Academy | Spencer O’Rourke | 7 |
| St. Joseph School-Danbury | Arthur DaSilva | 7 |
| St. Joseph School-Danbury | Kendra Pires | 2 |
| St. Mark School | Avani Jacobs | 5 |
| St. Mark School | Savanna Schwartz | 3 |
| St. Mary School-Bethel | Hugo Araujo | 7 |
| St. Mary School-Bethel | Christian Coogan | 3 |
| St. Mary School-Ridgefield | Lilianna Kalbfus | 3 |
| St. Mary School-Ridgefield | Morgan Manfro | 3 |
| St. Peter School | Eliana Castillo | 3 |
| St. Peter School | Erick Saldana | 4 |
| St. Rose of Lima School | Emily Braun | 7 |
| St. Rose of Lima School | Paige Keane | 4 |
| St. Rose of Lima School | Kolbe Ortega | K |
| St. Theresa School | Natalia Crumb | 7 |
| St. Theresa School | Sophie Castro | 5 |
| St. Theresa School | Richard Tuozzoli | 7 |
| St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School | Kori Garber | 5 |
| St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School | Aaliyah Gonzalez | 8 |
| St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School | Moriah Powell | 3 |
| St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School | Victoria Powell | K |
About Foundations in Education
Foundations in Education is a non-profit initiative created to assist the Diocese of Bridgeport’s ongoing mission to support Catholic education in Fairfield County. The primary purpose of Foundations is to raise money to support Catholic education through student scholarships, innovation and leadership grants for the professional development of elementary school teachers, and other education-based initiatives. Our goal is to provide students with the necessary resources and support to enable their success, growth and character development in elementary schools, thereby providing the foundations for their success in high school, higher education and life. Through its work, Foundations will help Catholic schools in Fairfield County remain at the cutting edge of academics, to excel in leadership development, provide financial aid to needy families and create a best-in-class school system within our diocese. Ultimately, we aim to transform lives through a strong educational foundation.
