SJP Alcindor Fund

The purpose of this fundraiser is to help an extraordinary sixteen year old student-athlete who attends St. John’s Prep. High School in Astoria, NY.

When I first met Marlon two years ago he told me his name and I asked him if he knew who Lew Alcindor (his namesake) was. He immediately responded with “Kareem Abdul-Jabbar”, continued with a little biography of the man, and ended by saying “And I too will make it to the NBA someday” as he smiled ear-to-ear.  Having been a coach for over eighteen years plus having a little common sense led me to think that this kid was delusional.

I have had the pleasure of coaching and teaching Marlon Alcindor for the past two years and he is an excellent athlete, a great student, and an even better person.  Marlon has continued to strive to make himself a better basketball player as well as an honor student. He has NEVER been absent, late, nor in detention at school! I have always received good feedback from all of his teachers. He has brought his overall average up to an 85% and he was selected to the All-league team in the NYCHSAA as a sophomore.  His goal is to earn an academic-athletic scholarship to a division I college.

I can attest to the fact that all the tools are there. He will be a junior this up-coming school year; however, he was hit with some bad news. His mother recently lost her job in the current economic crisis and she is the sole source of income for the family. As a result, he will not be able to afford this year’s tuition of $7800.

I am reaching out to the people I know, those who know Marlon, and all others who can in any way help sponsor a tremendous young student who has been affected by this unfortunate event.

For those who know me I am not one to ask for hand-outs in any way but when I see a great kid with a world of potential that needs our help, then I am forced to do what I can. He deserves it!

Thank all of you for your time and consideration. Any little bit will surely be appreciated.

Robert K. Leone

Math teacher/ Basketball coach

St. John’s Prep. H.S.

rleonenyc@gmail.com

Donations can also be mailed by check if that is more convenient to:

St. John’s Prep. H.S.

Attn:  Robert Leone

21-21 Crescent St.

Astoria, NY 11105

Make Checks out to:  St. John’s Prep. High School

                      Memo:   Marlon Alcindor