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Community Came Together to Run for a Good Cause
- Updated: November 1, 2024
By Mike Villarreal
On Saturday, October 26, the 14th Annual Leo Aguilar Foundation and Los Fresnos CISD 5K Walk/Run for Fun and Community Health Fair took place. This event, hosted by the Foundation for the fourteenth year, benefits the Leo Aguilar General Scholarship Fund. Hundreds of students, staff, and community members showed their support during the family-friendly morning of fun. The proceeds from the race will go to the Leo Aguilar Foundation Scholarship Fund, which is dedicated to awarding scholarships to Los Fresnos High School graduates – a tradition that has continued for more than 20 years.
Leonardo ‘Leo’ Aguillar was an active student during his high school years in Los Fresnos from 1967 to 1970. He was involved in various school activities, serving as the president of the Spanish club and representing the Future Homemakers of America. Leo was also an active member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, where he served as the president of the Catholic youth organization.
During his senior year, Leo achieved his dream of playing football for the Los Fresnos Fighting Falcons. He was a starting fullback on the team and had a promising future ahead. However, in September 1970, Leo’s life was tragically cut short. During a routine football practice, he suffered a severe neck injury that required hospitalization. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Leo passed away on October 10, 1970, at the young age of 17.
Although Leo’s life was short, his legacy lives on. To honor his memory and commitment to his community, Leo’s four brothers founded the Leo Aguillar Foundation in 1971. The foundation aims to continue Leo’s legacy by awarding scholarships to deserving Los Fresnos High School seniors each year.
Initially, the foundation offered only one athletic scholarship, but it has now expanded to include eight total scholarships, including two athletic scholarships and six academic scholarships. Today, the foundation hosts an annual 5k walk/run and golf tournament to raise funds for its scholarship programs.
Leo’s love for his community and passion for football inspired his brothers to establish the Leo Aguillar Foundation. Since its establishment, the foundation has awarded scholarships to deserving students. If you’re interested in learning more about the foundation, you can visit their website at http://theleoaguillarfoundation.com.
Photos Los Fresnos CISD Facebook Page
