Don Bosco Business Program Created In Memory Of Alumnus Killed In Car Crash

RAMSEY, N.J. — A nonprofit formed in memory of a Don Bosco Prep student has started a leadership program at the school.

Leonidas Vagias and Samuel Cali, both 19 of Towaco, were killed in a fatal motor vehicle crash on Interstate 287 in Mahwah in June 2016. Vagias was a standout kicker while at Don Bosco and kicked for the University of Rhode Island football team.

RELATED: 2 Killed In Crash Were Former Don Bosco Athletes

The Leonidas Foundation was created in Vagias’ memory to encourage others to think positively, be active in their communities and spread kindness to others through missionary work.

The Leo Program will be run through Don Bosco’s school of business. Students may take various leadership and entrepreneurship courses, hear from guest speakers, be mentored by others and travel to Washington, D.C. and other places to enhance their leadership abilities and appreciation of public service.

Business, civic, military and sports leaders are slated to participate in the program.

“We are very excited to have this chance to provide such amazing opportunity to young men at Don Bosco. While extremely important, this program is just a portion of our planned outreach this year." said Leonidas Foundation President Matthew Perricone. "We plan to continue our commitment to serving the poor and distressed ‘underdogs’ in the coming year through many initiatives.”

For more information, visit the foundation’s website.

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Leonidas Vagias, 19 — Obituary photo