Russo’s position as media specialist has helped him to support students in a way that helps them to accomplish their goals and to decompress.
While the media center may not be doing anything big for library appreciation month this year. Media specialist Dennis Russo is planning to celebrate one of his students, senior Desmond Gaston, with a joint birthday bash celebration today.
Gaston, better known as “Lil Dez,” is a local rapper. The birthday bash is intended to celebrate his accomplishments. He recently completed the Graduation Enhancement Program (GEP) and has officially graduated early.
Russo and Gaston met last year when Gaston was attending his GEP classes in the library café. At first, Russo didn’t know what to make of the local rap star and his friends; “They were fun to talk to and stuff. I just didn’t know if they were serious about school, so I built that relationship to help them get through their GEP program,” Russo said.
That year, Russo also happened to open the podcast studio, where he learned that Gaston was interested in rapping, and since then, the two have formed a close relationship.
“I got to learn the layers of Dez beyond what he just likes to show initially,” Russo said.
Now, a whole year later, Gaston has officially graduated early and is planning to attend Pinellas Technical College to become a welder.
The birthday bash is a “VIP only” event, as Russo puts it. “We want peoples that are taking care of their business and want a time to celebrate their favorite local rapper and favorite local librarian,” Russo said.
The birthday bash will take place during lunch and into the 5th period. Russo plans to have good food and good vibes.
“Dez and I both have that entrepreneurial spirit. It’s all about Dez and I this month,” Russo said.
