Leo's spirit, from Newark's kindergartens to college campuses

Julio Puente, or Leo as his friends called him, always wanted to know his life made a difference. As a dedicated educator, social worker and baseball coach he inspired young people around the world with his optimism and generosity. Leo's life made a huge impact on thousands of young people who came in contact with him throughout his 20 year career at the Newark Board of Education. His mission to improve the education of our inner-city youth continues through this memorial fund.

His passion for baseball was his tool to teach students the values of self-respect, hard work and fair play. As an Envoy coach for Major League Baseball his spirit was felt on baseball diamonds from Argentina to Germany. His love for sports is commemorated every year during the fund's benefit baseball game.

In keeping with Leo's passion for education and baseball, the fund grants $5000 in ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS to students graduating from a Newark public high school, one for a baseball player and one for a softball player. The recipients will make Newark a better place to live through their involvement in the classroom, extracurricular activities and community service.

The fund organizes several programs in addition to the annual scholarship. All of these programs are about partnering with other organizations. We joined forces with the charity based NJIT Sorority ΣΨΚ, co-sponsoring the 2004 benefit baseball game. You can visit their website at www.sigmapsikappa.com.

The fund also offers part-time job opportunities to high school and college students, including NJIT, Bloomfield College, Seton Hall University, and NYU students. Finally, one of our most popular programs is the softball clinics we offer. Click the photos below to see how Newark students enjoy the clinics.

   


SEE THE NEWS PAGE FOR MORE OF LEO'S FUND ACTIVITIES!