GiO was born on August 20, 2008. Growing up he was full of energy and could not keep still. He loved eating fruits and vegetables and playing with toys but his most favorite thing in the world was watching basketball with daddy on T.V. One Christmas his mommy and daddy bought him his very first basketball. GiO would take that basketball everywhere he went, to the store, to the park, and even to restaurants. GiO loved his new basketball!

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One day in 5th grade GiO saw a sign at his school saying there will be basketball tryouts in a week. He was super excited and wanted to make the team so bad. He practiced everyday at home when he finished his homework and even during lunch at school. GiO would sometimes hear kids yell at him "you'll never make the team" and even though this made him very sad he used those words as motivation to work harder. For days all GiO ever did was PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. When it was time to tryout he was very nervous and scared. He did his best and when tryouts ended he found out HE MADE THE TEAM! 

 

GiO was so happy to show those kids that doubted him that he was good enough and that with hard work, and not giving up, you can do whatever you put your mind to. GiO loves to play basketball especially with his friends and his dream is to be in the NBA. So everyday he does what he knows will make him better.... PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

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story written by Rylan Ragland

 11 years old, 6th grade