Puente has been a representative of RCMA and Wimauma Community Academy for over 7 years as a teacher and coach. Having come from a low-income family himself, Puente learned from his family what hard work was and what it means to be successful, which he works tirelessly to instill in all those he teaches and coaches. He is a passionate representative of the Wimauma community and epitomizes what RCMA and WCA stand for: hard work, positive attitude and commitment to the community.
The grant tonight will be used to enhance RCMA's sports programs at Wimauma Community Academy, increase academic programming opportunities and expand outdoor facilities into a community-hub in Hillsborough County. This hub would offer a space for multiple extracurricular activities, teaching students about setting goals, resilience, teamwork and other course-specific learning outcomes. The funds will continue to assist with the emotional and physical development of 345 students at Wimauma Community Academy, grades kindergarten-8th grade.
Puente became the 482nd Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through tonight's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $25.2 million to more than 600 unique nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2021, the Viniks announced the community hero program will give away another $10 million over the next five seasons.
