On Friday, May 9, 2025, One to One Learning, Inc.—a sponsored ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill—celebrated 28 years of empowering immigrants at its annual Hands of Hope Gala held at the Nyack Seaport. The 2024–2025 program marked a banner year for One to One, with 350 students enrolled in English classes and the addition of six new volunteer teachers, further strengthening its mission of support through education and community.
In her remarks, Sr. Cecilia LaPietra, OP, founder and Executive Director, reflected on the organization's guiding vision:
Our One to One banner—hands reaching out to hands—is the key to all that we do and hope to accomplish in this world of contradictions. Through community, we strive to live the words of Pope Francis: [It] is important to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead toward the Good.’
The evening featured inspiring honorees recognized for their dedication to service and shared commitment to building a more inclusive and hopeful world. Sr. Eileen Gannon, OP, received the Founder’s Award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to social justice. For years, she has used every opportunity and resource to advocate for those often deemed “unworthy” by society. Through her leadership, the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill have deepened their understanding of justice issues and been inspired to act with purpose. A former teacher, leader, and representative of the Dominican Order at the United Nations, Sr. Eileen now serves full-time as the Justice Promoter for the Dominican Sisters, and she coordinates the Laudato Si, Anti-Gun Violence, and Mission Outreach committees. Whether marching in the streets, meeting with lawmakers, or working alongside justice and peace organizations, she is the public face of the Sisters’ justice efforts.
We congratulate additional honorees, including:
• Michael Smith – Humanitarian Award
• Dan Callahan – Teacher/Board Award (posthumously)
• Meg Feerick – Teacher Award
• Paul Parsekian – Teacher Award
• Janet Fenton – Coordinator of Children’s Programs, Teacher Award
• William Carrillos – Student Award
• Susana Lopez – Student Award
• Mirna Ruballow – Student Award
Each of these individuals gives us reason to believe that the spirit of compassion, service, and hope is alive and well. Their dedication affirms the mission of One to One Learning and inspires us to continue reaching out, hand to hand, heart to heart, toward a more just and inclusive world.