St. John's Church builds a school in Siuna to honor educator

When Marilyn Pardo, the Director of the St. John’s Church Nursery School in Larchmont,NY announced her retirement after 27 years of service last winter, the parishioners wanted to do something very special to honor her. It didn’t take much discussion to determine that building a school for children in a remote area of Nicaragua with Bridges to Community would be a fitting tribute. A year later, the Escuela de Marilyn Pardo - Jesus de la Buena Esperanza, in the rural community of Amparo, is now a beautiful reality where 80 students, who previously had no permanent school structure, are now able to receive an education.

            After the project was selected by the St. John’s Church Vestry, they raised $36,000 in 50 days through their annual Easter Appeal. $25,000 was used for the school’s construction and the remainder went to fund scholarships for Nicaraguan high school, trade school and university students.

            “As a long time parishioner as well as a board member of Bridges to Community, I couldn’t be happier that building this school was chosen as the means to honor a beloved educator,” said Carla Berry, past president of the Vestry of St. John’s Church, “Marilyn Pardo understands how important education is for children as an investment in the future.”