A West Florence High School baseball player started a scholarship foundation in September, called ‘K24’.
Ryan Florio, decided to start the foundation to help fellow student athletes achieve their dreams.
For every strikeout Florio got during his baseball season, he donated ten dollars and local businesses agreed to match that donation. Florio has raised over $11,000.
“Collectively, we raised a couple thousand dollars. Even with the $2,000 scholarships we gave out, we still had some left and instead of having it sit there for a whole year, why not help somebody else,” says Florio.
Florio decided to give back to his old stomping grounds, Delmae Elementary School, and other schools around the area.
“I understand that some kids my age don’t have a platform and these younger kids as of right now don’t have a platform, but I do. I want to be able to help them and let them know that whatever they can’t say at the moment, I can, and they can go through me,” says Florio.
Florio, graduated from West Florence High School this year and will be attending Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland. He plans to expand his foundation wherever he goes.
Florio also says his efforts wouldn’t be possible without his support system.
“If it wasn’t for my parents and KD, none of this would be possible. If it wasn’t for the people to support me and help me out this wouldn’t be possible. It’s the people, the public in Florence and everywhere else,” said Florio.
Florio will start a committee to go around schools once a month and share stories about hard work and dedication.
If you would like to donate or learn more about the foundation, click here.
