News Summary
Josh Leonard, a standout athlete from Wilson High School, has made waves by donating a $1,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area. This grant, part of Gatorade’s Player of the Year Community Grant initiative, highlights Leonard’s commitment to community engagement. Known for his impressive basketball skills, Leonard averaged 21.7 points and 10.1 rebounds this season, leading his team to the state semifinals. The donation will help the Club continue its mission to support local youth and foster positive change through sports.
Florence, South Carolina – Josh Leonard, a prominent player from Wilson High School, has made headlines by donating a $1,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area. This contribution is part of Gatorade’s Player of the Year Community Grant initiative, which aims to support organizations dedicated to positively impacting youth within the community.
Leonard’s exceptional talent on the basketball court earned him the title of Gatorade South Carolina Boys Basketball Player of the Year. His on-court performance this season was remarkable, leading the Wilson High Tigers to a solid 21-9 record and securing a spot in the Class AAAA state semifinals. Over the course of the season, Leonard averaged 21.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He also posted impressive shooting percentages, hitting 59.1% from inside the arc and 39.2% from three-point range, leading to a true shooting percentage of 61%.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area will utilize this grant to continue providing a safe and supportive environment for local youth, following in Leonard’s footsteps of community engagement. Neal Zimmerman, the executive director of the organization, highlighted the significance of Leonard’s donation, pointing out that it reflects the impact the club has on young lives.
Leonard’s mother, Brittany Leonard, expressed her gratitude towards the Boys & Girls Club for offering a safe place for her son while she worked. This personal connection underscores the importance of such organizations in the lives of families in the community.
As a notable figure in the Gavin basketball circuit, Leonard is not only recognized for his sportsmanship but also for his commitment to giving back. He has been ranked as the #3 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class by ON3, showcasing his potential for a bright future in basketball. Leonard is among 610 Gatorade State Player of the Year recipients who can allocate grants to social impact organizations, reinforcing Gatorade’s commitment to supporting youth engagement and development.
Since its inception, Gatorade’s Player of the Year Community Grant initiative has awarded over $5.6 million to more than 2,000 organizations across the country, demonstrating the program’s extensive reach and impact on communities through sports. Leonard’s generous grant contributes to this mission, emphasizing the role of young athletes in fostering a positive change in their communities.
The Boys & Girls Club plays a vital role in providing programs and resources for young people, helping them develop their skills, character, and community awareness. Leonard’s donation will help sustain and enhance these services, ensuring that more youth can benefit from the opportunities provided by the Club. It reinforces a message that success on the court can translate into positive action off of it.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Josh Leonard Wins Gatorade Player of the Year
- MSN: Josh Leonard Unofficially Visiting NC State
- Pack Insider: Josh Leonard on Unofficial Visit to NC State
- Post and Courier: Florence Wilson High’s Gatorade Grant
- SCNow: South Carolina Boys Basketball Article
- Wikipedia: Community Service
- Google Search: Josh Leonard Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Development
- Google News: Josh Leonard
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
