THE LEONIDAS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES INCEPTION OF “LEO PROGRAM” AT DON BOSCO PREP

Wyckoff, NJ – The Leonidas Foundation is proud to announce its newest endeavor to engage and cultivate the mind, body and spirit of young men as we strive to honor the life of Leonidas Vagias, “The LEO Program.” After a wonderfully insightful and productive meeting on Monday with Leo’s father, mother, members of the foundation and core Don Bosco Preparatory High School administration, confirmation was provided that the new business-focused program will be kicking off in the upcoming 2017-2018 school year.
 
The significance of the program’s name is twofold – to honor the memory and legacy of Leonidas “Leo” Vagias, and to identify the program’s core focuses: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Opportunity.  This highly selective program will be run through the school of business at Don Bosco Prep and will offer participating students an unparalleled means by which to enhance their business knowledge and skills.
 
The Leonidas Foundation intends to support the program in the following ways:

1. Provide funding for start-up and ongoing costs to support the L.E.O. program
2. Support and assist the development of the curriculum through:
   • Various and multiple leadership and entrepreneurship courses
   • Guest speakers from the private sector, public sector, non-profit sector, public servants, military leaders, etc.
   • Ongoing mentorship between students and a similar pool of guest speakers.
3. Organize extracurricular activities that will instill the values of leadership, fellowship and public service in young men via real life opportunities in the form of:
   1. A multi-day retreat to Washington D.C. where students will experience various leadership styles within the private sector, public sector, non-profit sector, etc.
   2. A trip to Wilmington, Delaware where students will be able to see and experience a state run innovation lab for incubating startup companies.
   3. Placement in summer internships that will help students retain, absorb and put to test what they have learned.

According to program director John Esposito, “The LEO Program will combine entrepreneurship lessons with an experiential approach to traditional business subjects.” “Classroom teachers, coaches, and mentors prepare students to create and develop their own product or service,” added Esposito.
 
He is currently constructing an online application and questionnaire to vet and select highly qualified and motivated students to participate in the program, while compiling a list of professionals, coaches, and mentors.  This collaborative program will afford students the chance to be taught by experienced business, civic, military, and sports leaders.
 
"While extremely important, this program is a small part of our planned outreach this year." said President Matthew Perricone. "We plan to continue our commitment to serving the poor and distressed in the coming year through many initiatives. We thank you for your continued support as we honor our friend and brother Leo."

For more on The Leonidas Foundation, please visit www.LeoUniteUs.org.

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