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.