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.
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