Meet Gio, who was born with profound sensorineural hearing loss. He received hearing aids at seven months old, his first cochlear implant at 15 months, and his second implant at four years old. 

Gio joined Clarke’s Birth to Age Three Program at 18 months old, then advanced to Clarke’s Preschool Program before mainstreaming into his local kindergarten. 

Gio is thriving. He has been swimming since second grade and recently competed in his high school’s PCL Champs and PIAA District 12 Champs at La Salle University. Gio placed 4th overall in the 200 relay at the PCL Champs and earned a bronze medal in the 400 relay at the PIAA Districts. 

He also loves music, especially playing trumpet and piano, along with singing. 

Gio’s family believes Clarke wasn’t just a school—it was a family. “The teachers, assistants, speech therapists and parents were our village. They were always in our corner,” says Tara, Gio’s mother. 

“They were Gio’s cheerleaders and taught him lessons he carries with him today. They laid a strong foundation for him and taught me to be his best teacher. When I say Clarke holds a special place in our hearts, I mean it.”