Moving Forward

Friends of Hope,

We wanted to give you a final update as to where we stand with (un)Event 2022.  Though the event happened officially on April 30th, some gathered during May and June (and there are a couple known gatherings happening in July), and as of today $23,192 has been raised. 

While we did not reach our goal of $30,000, we will regroup and move forward, in search of ways to close the budget gap. Just like for many of you, we will rely on creativity, grit, and resilience and trust that all will be well. 

We are deeply grateful for the celebrations and the giving and the faces of all of you gathered at this Table of Hope.

Something for Summer SOULstice

Friends of Hope,

For many of us, it is not consistent sunshine that is cueing us to summer’s arrival. We will just have to take it on the calendar’s authority. As a kick-off to summer, we are sending you our (un)Event 2022 playlist curated by Clint Strand, talented music curator and friend of The Hope Project.

A staff favorite is song #18, Crowded Table by The Highwomen. Isn’t that what we are creating together after all?   

“I want a house with a crowded table and a place by the fire for everyone…The door is always open…your picture on the wall. Everyone’s a little broken and everyone belongs.” 

Summer Solstice Love and Gratitude! 

Because of Joseph.

Dear Friends of Hope,

It is with deep honor and gratitude that we share with you that Hope International’s founder and first and only principal, Joseph Cummings, is retiring this month after 15 years of service. Have no fear, Joseph will remain an integral part of the school as founder and school board president. 
 
With Joseph’s visionary and loving focus, he has, under often extremely difficult circumstances, founded and nurtured Hope International School to what it is today. It is no understatement to say that without Joseph’s determination, focus, integrity, and commitment, Hope International would not have even come to be. 

Mark Howe, who has been beside Joseph since the doors of Hope International School opened in 2008, is taking over the day-to-day leadership as principal. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and Associate of Arts degree in Education.

Most recently he has served Hope International as Vice Principal of Student Affairs and as a high school government and history teacher. He has been with us through it all and is a deeply respected, valued, and trusted member of the school staff.


As many of you know, our beloved Vice Principal of Administration, Naomi Nyankoon, passed away this past year. Frances Plee has been hired to assume Naomi’s role for the upcoming school year. Frances has also been with Hope International from the very beginning, serving in both an administrative capacity as registrar and records as well as classroom instructional support. Again, we’ re so very fortunate that she accepted this role.

Please join us in welcoming Mark and Frances into their new roles and celebrating and honoring Joseph for his vision and fortitude.