05/20/2026
This is Riverdale Ridge High School senior Giovanni G's Class of 2026 Journey:
Giovanni's high school experience got off to a solid start his freshman year, as he earned A's and B's in his classes. But all that changed after a devastating turn of events during his sophomore year.
"Sophomore year my dad passed away and it shook me. Having that person taken away from me, it was a lot because he gave me all the advice and made me become the man I am today," Giovanni shared. "The first couple months I managed to keep my grades up, but I didn't have the same motivation or confidence. A piece of me was gone."
It wasn't until his junior year that Giovanni says he finally found himself. During this time, the bond between him and his mom, who he calls his superhero, deepened. Giovanni also credits his teachers with showing him how much he was loved.
"Mr. Robles, he was there after my dad passed," said Giovanni. "My car started breaking down and I told him about the situation. He and all the teachers were going to raise money to help me buy the new part for my car. Even though teachers are going through so much themselves, it really shows they see us as their own kids," he shared.
Now, as Giovanni prepares to get his diploma, he takes pride in the fact that he's following through on his father's dream for him to graduate and attend University of Colorado Boulder.
"That was his vision and I'm following that path. I'm about to go to CU Boulder with a scholarship," he said. "It just really proves that if you put your mind to it and don't listen to the haters, you can really be successful."
Giovanni already has plans to take his higher education a step further by attending dental school through University of Colorado Denver once he completes his prerequisites at CU Boulder.
"I want to be an orthodontist," he said. "I love helping people. One way I know I can help people is with their teeth and build their confidence with their smile."
