“ From Courtside to Storytime: Willie Deane Talks 'Love' and Life Beyond the Game ” Willie Deane was born and raised in Schenectady New York. He is a graduate of Schenectady High School’s Technical Program and holder of a High School Regions Diploma. He was the captain and leader of the first New York State Section II Championship basketball team 98’ since the merger of rivals Mont Pleasant and Linton and still holds the schools all-time scoring title surpassing the legendary

LaDonna N. Smith is an accomplished author, digital illustrator, and educator with a passion for empowering young minds through storytelling and creativity. With a diverse body of work that spans children's books, digital art, and educational programs, LaDonna has dedicated her career to fostering a love of learning and self-expression in children of all backgrounds. Her books, known for their vibrant illustrations and powerful themes, often celebrate fiscal fitness, cultural

Uriah Smith is a 10-year-old author with a passion for storytelling. His debut book, The Boy Who Hated Books, showcases his creativity and love for reading. Uriah's imaginative tales inspire young readers to explore new worlds through books. 1. What gave you the idea to write "The Boy Who Hated Books"? Was there a moment when you thought, "This would make a cool story"? I got the idea because sometimes I didn’t really like reading books, and I thought, "What if there was a bo