“These awards represent the very best of what we can offer our students and schools. Most importantly, your creativity, passion, and dedication to our students embody what an outstanding Catholic education truly looks like.”

- FIE Board Chairman Joe Purcell

Foundations in Education is pleased to announce more than $133,000 in grants

awarded to educators in Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic schools

for twenty-three projects, with award amounts ranging from $500 to $15,000.

In its 8th year, this competitive program was the first of its kind in the Diocese of Bridgeport to offer innovation and leadership grants to teachers and administrators. 

Former Awardee Bill Thomas showcased his "Lego Spike" grant, currently being implemented at Greenwich Catholic School.

Former Awardee George Marrash showcased his grant, "Transforming Science Education to Meet the Needs of the 21st Century," currently being implemented at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull.

click here for more photos

from left to right: John Corraro, Anne McCrory, Joe Purcell

(Chair), Paula Summa, Holly Doherty-Lemoine, Henry Rondon

trustees not in photo: David Cappiello, Tom Cassidy, George Coleman, Lisa Ferraro, Tim FitzPatrick, Kara Klein, Leslie Lopez, Andrea Maldon, Tom McDevitt, Tom McInerney, Dr. Julia McNamara, Joe Matthews, Michele Mitola, Joe Rahtelli, Geoff Raker, Bernie Reidy, Allison Reiling, Barbara Ripp, Jennifer St. Victor-de Pinho, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh

from left to right: Sarah Beck, Holly Doherty-Lemoine, Fraser Randolph, Paula Summa, Henry Rondon (Chair), and Theresa Sciallo

committee members not in photo: George Coleman, Dr. Julia McNamara, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh

Donors

“Generous and forward-thinking donors to FIE make this program possible. We are grateful to all who value innovation and leadership in the classroom. Thanks to their philanthropic interest, we are able to help strengthen and transform Catholic education through these grants.”

-Holly Doherty-Lemoine, CFRE - Executive Director

2025-2026 Innovation & Leadership Grants

All Saints Catholic School, Norwalk

Faith in Focus: Immersive Biblical Journeys for Young Hearts and Minds by Laura Wrinn $10,000

Innovative Computer Technology Hands-On Learning Program Using Osmoplay by Sujavadee Tongparn $2,198

Assumption Catholic School, Fairfield

Hands-on Science: Creating a 21^st Century Upper Elementary Science Program by Lauren Korres $5,000

Multicultural Music and Movement by Pauline Rayer $1,318

Cardinal Kung Academy, Stamford

From Pawn to Queen, Promoting Chess Excellence by Kyle MacDonald $2,922

From the Page to the Lab, ‘Handling’ the 21^st Century by Jeffrey Padilla $7,500

Catholic Academy of Bridgeport - St. Ann Academy

Dream Big! Library Makerspace by Shannon Maloney $9,767

Hands On Science Lab by Talya Natlo $10,000

Greenwich Catholic School

Singing Is Believing by Angela Bou Kheir, Mark Radzin, Rebecca Steck $7,500

Holy Trinity Catholic Academy, Shelton

S.T.R.E.A.M. Professional Development by Darlene Gonzalez-Morris $7,800

Immaculate High School, Danbury

Building the Basics: Student-Created Computers from Scratch by Anthony Dausilio $5,278

CNA Laboratory Medical Mannequin by Marie Hatcher RN $4,151

Stitching Knowledge, One Thread at a Time! By Celeste Andrei and Stephanie Rugg $1,134

Kolbe Cathedral Prep, Bridgeport

The Writer’s Lab by Eddie Louise Clark $5,100

Office of the Superintendent

Catholic Accompaniment Training by Patrice Kopas $15,000

St. Catherine Academy, Fairfield

Ready, Set, READ! By Lisa Lanni $9,468

St. Joseph High School, Trumbull

Artificial Intelligence Program by David Lasecki $9,450

Engaging Visual Learning Through Lightboard Technology by Brian Gavin $3,000

Innovative Physics Learning: Bridging Theory and Practice Through Advanced Technology by Johanna Retalis $8,400

SJ World Language Pod Cast by Jackie Carvalho-Sullivan $3,102

St. Mary School, Bethel

Light Up Our Pre-K Classroom! by Toni Fiorillo $3,000

St. Rose of Lima School, Newtown

Financial Literacy, Skills for a Successful Future by Tanya Cicarelli $2,000

STEM Bins by Annmarie Winington $500

Click here for slide show of all 25-26 Grant Projects

Click here to read full press release

Foundations in Education Inc is committed to strengthen and transform the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport by providing tuition assistance to families in need, supporting innovation in academic programs, and fostering opportunities for the professional development of school leaders.