IN THE NEWS: L.E.O. Program to Start at the Mount

Mar. 21, 2019, Published in The Progress

CALDWELL - The Leonidas Foundation, which provides relief to the poor and distressed while fostering mentorship and public service with honor, prowess, and integrity, has selected Mount St. Dominic Academy for its L.E.O. Program.

The second school to participate, the Mount is the only private high school for young women to offer the L.E.O. Program, an interactive business curriculum with the core tenets of “Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Opportunity.” Intensive classroom instruction on a wide range of business topics is enhanced by interactive panel discussions with current business and government leaders.

Participating students will have the opportunity to attend the L.E.O. Program’s Summer Leadership Conference at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., as well as other off-site learning experiences.

As part of the new curriculum at the Mount, interested students entering their junior year will take part in a comprehensive application process, complete with a professional resume and extensive interviewing, in hopes of securing one of the seats in the course. The program is in its second year at Don Bosco Preparatory School in Ramsey.

The program was created in honor and memory of Leonidas “Leo” Vagias, who was killed in car accident with his friend Samuel Cali in 2016. Leo was a Don Bosco alumnus and brother of Alexandra Vagias, who graduated from the Mount in 2018.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for young women to meet with successful entrepreneurs and executives to help them become future business leaders,” said Matthew Perricone, president of the Leonidas Foundation. “We are beyond excited to bring this program to Mount St. Dominic Academy and thank the administration of the school for being eager partners throughout the launch process.”

Marissa Muoio, the Mount’s dean of academics and a 2008 graduate of the school, said, "The Mount is committed to preparing young women for a future where they will excel as culturally competent, social justice-minded, empowered learners and leaders, and we are thrilled to be able to offer the L.E.O. Program to our students. This special program complements our evolving curriculum, including our Senior Capstone in Directed Research and the debut of our Innovation Center.

"We are delighted to be strengthening our relationship with the Vagias family and admire their dedication to carrying on Leo’s legacy in such a meaningful and impactful way.”

Prospective students of the Mount may learn more about the L.E.O. Program and the school at an open house at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 at 3 Ryerson Ave., Caldwell.