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Hope Rural Students recognize Jensen Beach Veterans and enjoy Thanksgiving luncheon

November 7, 2008

INDIANTOWN, FL – The Fourth Graders at Hope Rural School in Indiantown, Florida coordinated an assembly to celebrate Veterans Day with several of our service man and women from Jensen Beach. The students will march in with Flags, sing songs and listen to several veterans speak of their experiences. The assembly is scheduled for Friday, November 7th at 10:45a.m. The Thanksgiving luncheon follows the assembly at 11:30a.m.

For almost two decades, the students of the Hope Rural School in Indiantown have provided the artwork for the Thanksgiving cards of West Palm Beach Attorney Edward M. Ricci, Special Consumer Justice Counsel to Burman, Critton, Luttier & Coleman. Each year in appreciation for their creative efforts, Mr. Ricci treats these students to a special Thanksgiving "pizza requested" luncheon and an honorary visit by Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito - Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Two collages of all the students’ drawings have been framed and one will be given to the school and the other to Bishop Barbarito by Ed Ricci at the luncheon. Ricci will announce that the artwork of 4th-grader Kendarly Duperat who was chosen for this year's holiday card.

Ricci 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 28, 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. The student population represents a diversity of cultures from Guatemala, Mexico, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Columbia and the United States. 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, employers’ 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-school 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. You may also send email to mdooley@hoperuralschool.org.

Edward M. Ricci is Consumer Justice Counsel to Burman, Critton, Luttier & Coleman. The offices are located in West Palm Beach at 515 N. Flagler Drive. Edward Ricci can be contacted at 561-842-2820. Additional information about Edward M. Ricci, P.A. may be obtained from the firm's website at www.edriccilaw.com.
 

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