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So how did this athletic wonder rise to where he is today? Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina. Though he favored baseball as a youngster, his outlook changed as his brother challenged him to one-on-one basketball matches. Michael was ironically cut from his high school varsity basketball team, but eventually made it his junior year.

He won a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina, and showcased the best of his airborne skills. After college, Michael went on to play for the U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball Team. He played for the Chicago Bulls shortly after, leading the team to six NBA Championships. In 1996 he made his big screen debut in Space Jam.

To focus more on his family, Michael retired in 1999 after completing thirteen successful seasons and winning his last Championship. Cautious about the media spotlight on his family, he's kept his personal life private.

The 38-year-old has also decided to devote his life to wife Juanita, and their three children Jeffrey, Marcus and Jasmine. They now reside comfortably in Highland Park, Illinois. In the planning for several years, the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery marked the museum's first natural history exhibition designed for children. "The interactive learning space explains in fun and informative ways the interrelated nature of the southeastern North Carolina environment," says former director Janet Seapker. The exhibit is divided into sections: the Upland Forest,the Bottomland and the Maritime Forest.

The three ecosystems contain typical plants, animals and geology along with activities designed to foster understanding of their specific natures. Just prior to entering the gallery visitors will see the Michael Jordan display case, an exhibition case displaying artifacts from Michael Jordan's youth in Wilmington.

"We have a past with Michael that no one else can claim. He grew up here; his family has roots here, and he continues to take a special interest in our area," says former assistant director Harry Warren.

The exhibit's newest component is the Human Impact section, which explores the ways that the environment is influenced by its human inhabitants. The Jordan family, the Junior League of Wilmington and many community members were involved with the exhibit because of its benefit to children. The museum offers natural science programs for schoolchildren and families to complement the exhibition.

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