Gary Soto, an author and playwright from Fresno, Calif., speaks to Park Middle School students on Thursday at Kennewick High School. GEAR UP helped bring him to Kennewick to attend a production of his play Novio Boy on Wednesday night. "It was the best rendition of my play ever," said Soto, adding that he was particularly impressed with the quality of the production by middle school students. The play is being performed again today at 6 p.m. at Park Middle School in Kennewick. Admission is $3. KAI-HUEI YAU — Tri-City HeraldBuy Photo