Students at Hope Rural School Enjoyed an Art-Filled Thanksgiving Luncheon
Celebrating 25 years of loving and learning
INDIANTOWN, Fla.- Attorney Ed Ricci, partner of the Palm Beach Gardens based law firm, Ricci~Leopold, P.A. and his wife, former Judge Mary Lupo, provided an initial gift to Hope Rural School in Indiantown, Florida in 1980. That gift help found the school and since that time, Ricci and Lupo have stayed actively involved and watched the progress of the school.
For more than a decade, the students at Hope Rural have provided the artwork for the Ricci law firm’s Thanksgiving cards. Each year, one student’s artwork is chosen for the cards. In appreciation for their creative efforts, the children were honored with a special Thanksgiving luncheon and gifts on November 8, 2005. A collage of all their drawings had been framed and was given to the school by Ricci at the luncheon. Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito- Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, who helped announce the winner made a surprise visit. Bishop Barbarito has been actively involved at Hope Rural for many years. Both Ricci and Bishop Barbarito revealed the artwork chosen for this year’s Thanksgiving card and unveiled the card itself. The winner was Fourth-grader Selina M. Valasquez. Ricci has served as a member of the board of directors and voluntary counsel to Hope Rural for the past 25 years.
“For more than 25 years Hope Rural School has provided these children with a nurturing environment in which to learn,” said Ed Ricci. “The children here are our hope for tomorrow, and I am proud and honored to be a part of this school for all these years.”
The mission of Hope Rural School is to educate the immigrant children of migrants and farm workers in an environment of love and encouragement. Hope Rural is a private Catholic elementary school (K-6) with a 501 (c) status. Of students who have enrolled since 1980, 74% are Guatemalan Mayan Indians, 12% are Mexican and Puerto Rican, 5% percent are Haitian and 9% are African American/Caucasian. There are currently 120 students enrolled at Hope Rural School.
Regardless of the number of siblings attending, the school only charges $100 in annual tuition per family. The school’s operating income comes from private gifts, grants and donations from civic and church groups, employer’s matching funds, foundations,
memorials, trusts and individual donors. The dedicated faculty and staff provide a full education that encompasses the academic year, summer school, after care, breakfast, lunch and snacks.
To learn more about the Hope Rural School and how you can help, call (772) 597-2203 or write to 15929 SW 150th Street, Indiantown, FL 34956 or hopesch@onearrow.net.
Edward Ricci is a senior partner in the law firm of Ricci~Leopold, P.A. The firm founded in 1982, has five attorneys and is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with offices located at 2925 PGA Blvd. Edward Ricci can be contacted at 561-684-6500. Additional information about Ricci~Leopold, P.A. may be obtained from the firm’s website at www.riccilaw.com.
