Elite Preparatory Academy was pleased to welcome Caitlin Doran (Development Director) and Donna Macalle-Holly (Grants and Program Director) of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation on January 14, 2026. On their first visit to our school, they gave an engaging and comprehensive presentation of the history, vision, mission and values of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. They also offered concrete ways the EPA community could volunteer and participate in their civic and educational programs. Ms. Donna emphasized the critical importance of volunteering in the work of the foundation. She said, “we really need everyone engaged and on board. It takes a lot of people to make a difference. We pride ourselves on partnering with organizations, schools, and the local government.”
Founded in 2012, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation is built on the strong pillars of environment, education, community, and advocacy. It is dedicated to “fostering a vibrant and healthy Lake Hopatcong and surrounding community.” The foundation is committed to collaboration, action, sustainability, and warmth. They radiate “a friendly face to the community, showing the best of ourselves and bringing out the best in the people of Lake Hopatcong.”
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation serves the community in a myriad of ways. They organize environmental field trips at Hopatcong State Park for elementary and high school students. The students learn important scientific and environmental lessons through hands-on activities, like a nature hike, a 3D watershed model demonstration, macroinvertebrate sampling, and an educational cruise aboard the foundation’s Floating Classroom. The foundation also offers in-class programming for students of all grade levels about the importance of protecting our water resources.
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation hosts an annual Block Party at Hopatcong State Park. This year’s event will be on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This is a community-wide event with hundreds of volunteers from schools, businesses, and community groups. Ms. Caitlin said the Block Party is “our biggest event. It is a wonderful opportunity. We get participation from all the local high schools, all of whom provide volunteer help, and in exchange get a free T-shirt and a booth to showcase their school programs. We get about 200 to 250 vendors. It’s a whole slice of life around Lake Hopatcong. The event attracts 4,000 guests because we provide lots of activities and entertainment for families, including a scavenger hunt and free boat rides.”
Elite Preparatory Academy applauds the tremendous work of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, and we thank Ms. Caitlin and Ms.
Donna for their informative and educational presentation. We are enthusiastic to join hands with all the volunteers and concerned citizens in the vital mission of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation.
Pere Payeras Pons is a Junior at EPA.