HOPE HAPPENINGS
November 2025 Newsletter
chicagohopeacademy.org
The Power of Handwritten Letters and Hope Gratitude
Dear Hope Family,
Thanksgiving came early to our halls this year – not just through the potluck or the laughter, but through the way gratitude surfaced in our students’ hearts Wetalk oftenabout“aidingintheflourishingof others,”becauseChristhasdonethat forus.Andwhensomeonehelpsus grow,gratitudebecomesthemost naturalresponse.
Before break, our students wrote handwritten notes to someone who had impacted their life Alexceon wrote to his mentor and teacher, Mr. Jose Nietes –Hope alum turned Accounting and Entrepreneurship instructor – thanking him for pushing him toward patience, excellence, and belief in his own potential After four CEOs joined us for a leadership panel, Alexceon stood and shared that his flourishing continues because Mr. Nietes believes in him.
Ireland chose Mrs Allen, her Discipleship Group leader and Psychology teacher. Standing on the chapel stage, she shared how Mrs Allen has become a mother figure – holding her accountable and celebrating her willingness to lead classmates in prayer and Scripture reading. It was a glimpse of a young woman stepping into her calling
And while I hosted a schoolwide open-mic of student thankfulness Alexis quietly slipped to the cafe – not to avoid chapel, but to serv She moved with grace and pace she helped our cafeteria staff pre for the Hope potluck. Her humility wasn’t loud, but it was unmistaka A roll-up-your-sleeves servant’s h that spoke louder than any microphone in the chapel.
Thesemomentsreflecttheculture we’rebuilding:studentswhoflouris becausesomeonehasinvestedin them–andstudentswhoturnthat flourishingoutwardinquietservice.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I’m incredibly grateful for how your prayers and support are aiding in the flourishing of every Hope student Because of you, young men and women are learning to love well serve gladly, and live joyfully in light of the Good News
With love from the West Side,
Ike Muzikowski
President and
Principal
Sophomore Alexceon shares his words of gratitude.
Hope Partners with the NECA for Hands-On Learning
Hope was honored to be chosen by the National Electrical Contractor’s Association (NECA) as their Adopt-A-School beneficiary during this year’s Trades Convention!
3M parked a flatbed truck at our Athletics Campus and welcomed students into their portable classroom Students learned about ear safety, watched a live welding demonstration (above) by their teacher Mr. Walters, and tested out different types of personal protective equipment
As our students complete two years of Career and Technical Sciences class, they are able to immediately begin an apprenticeship with one of our union partners. Eight students from the Class of 2025 are currently in an apprenticeship.
Skilled trades power our economy As the industry faces a gap of 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, we are proud to be equipping our students with the opportunity to be the electricians, laborers, and plumbers of the future
“I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve learned the past two years in CTS. Before class, I'd never used a tool besides a hammer and screwdriver Now, I can bend conduit, use a hacksaw, and have installed a doorbell I'm planning to go to college to study Business, but I'm glad to know how to do this handy stuff because I can save money and not have to depend on anyone Jametria Taylor (middle) Class of 2026
”A Day of Service
NECA’s Adopt-a-School initiative included a Day of Service. In the most widespread service day Hope has seen since building construction in 2005, school staff worked alongside NECA volunteers to beautify our spaces, leaving us encouraged and ready for our 21st school year
“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28
Tiffany Brooks-Lawrence found a second home for her family at Hope.
Five of her seven kids have attended Hope, beginning in 2015 Currently Nyla (far left) is a freshman and Timothy (second from the right) is a junior.
“Everything I wanted in a school, I found at Hope,” Tiffany says. “Hope reflects the faith-based principles that my husband and I want our children to grow up with, and that has meant everything to us.”
“Hope is one big family - supportive, loving, and rooted in faith. It truly feels like a community that grows with you and stands with you.”
It is a joy to have the Brooks-Lawrence family in the Hope community. Timothy is on the Spiritual Life team, leading the school community in worship and serving on the mission trip to Mexico. Nyla is on the Cheer Team and played Flag Football this past season She’s excited to work hard this summer to be a starter on the team
Teacher HighlightNate Brumbaugh
As the freshman Bible teacher, Nate Brumbaugh values teaching each student when they first enter Hope and seeing how they transform over the course of the next four years.
From Nate’s first encounter touring Hope as a prospective teacher, he felt a difference in Hope students’ maturity and future-focused mindset
Now, Nate is an integral part of creating an environment where students are known and loved
“Hope is a school of opportunity and a school that cares,” Nate said
“We have a variety of student abilities but no matter their academic level, we constantly challenge students and we give students opportunities that they wouldn’t have at other schools.”
Currentlyinhisfifthyearat Hope,Natesawhisfirst freshmanclassgraduate thispastspring There weremanystoriesof growththatinspirehim
Presidential Scholar
“Ariaenteredasaquiet studentandthenbecamea leaderandvoiceforthe schoolandourculture Thatwasprettyspecial.”
We’rethankfulforNate’s workandhowitreflects theheartofHope-growth, opportunity,and transformation.
FreshmanAaralynJenkins finishedthequarteratthe topofherclass.Shejuggles academicswithbeingthefirsteverfreshman!-Cheer Captain,aswellasleading worshipontheSpiritualLife team
Aaralyn’s favorite thing about Hope is the community “Everyone is really welcoming and it feels good to know that someone is always looking out for you.”
Mr B reviews for the final with Comparative Religion I
The Ireland National Rugby team held a clinic for Hope athletes in October ahead of their game against New Zealand.
Senior Dylan Selagea cheers on a young athlete from Special Children’s Charities (formerly Special Olympics Chicago). Dylan is a captain of the Varsity Volleyball Team and plans to study Cyber Security in college.
Scout Muzikowski and students show their school pride during Homecoming Week! The football team ended their season with a record of 8-2 after moving up two divisions from last year.
NCH US INTO 2026!
Thank you for supporting Hope’s mission of being a Christian life preparatory school that empowers students to achieve their full potential. Help us end the year strong by scanning the QR code and giving a gift!