The receipt of a generous donation will help St. John Neumann Regional School balance its budget.

That's because for the fourth straight year, the school has received a $25,000 Challenge Grant courtesy of the Julius & Katheryn Hommer Foundation.The grant will be used to help defray operating costs, as well as to encourage others to support the school, which serves students in grades K-2 at its Slatington campus and grades 3-8 at its Palmerton campus.Peter Kern, Chairman of the Foundation's board of trustees, said the board considers the grant to be an "investment" in the future leaders of our country.Kern expressed his admiration for the academic and community achievements of the students of St. John Neumann, praised the parishioners of the supporting churches whose financial sacrifices help maintain the school's viability, and encouraged others to support the School to the extent they are able.Sister Virginia Stephanie, Principal, expressed appreciation on behalf of the entire St. John Neumann family for the gift, as it comes at a time when other sources of income have been under pressure due to the slowdown in the economy.St. John Neumann Regional School is fully accredited by the Commonwealth on Elementary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools. It welcomes students of all religious denominations and ethnic groups.Anyone who would like to pledge their support to the Challenge Grant, or for additional information, contact the Office of the Principal at 610-826-2354.