Participant Spotlight: Celebrating Hannah Foy — A Year of Joy, Confidence, and “One Yes”

We love celebrating every win, every spark of joy, and every milestone at GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta; we call it a participant’s “Best of All”. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our incredible teen participants, Hannah Foy, whose year has been filled with growth, adventure, and moments that remind us of the power of inclusion, persistence, and love.

Finding Her Spark at Fired Up

Hannah has been joining us for teen programs for some time, and while she always enjoys being around her peers, engagement hasn’t always come easily. Whether the group was cooking, doing fitness, or playing bingo, Hannah often preferred to hang back. At the end of our Saturday programs, when asked how things went, she would usually offer a short but honest reply:
“Go home.”

But something magical happened on October 31st.

We took our teens to an offsite outing at Fired Up Alpharetta, where each participant chose a piece of pottery to paint. The moment Hannah sat down with her plate and brushes, something clicked. She spent the entire two hours fully immersed in her artwork—carefully choosing colors, experimenting with tools, and painting every inch in beautiful shades of blue and purple.

She was glowing.

At the end of the program, when asked how it went this time, she didn’t hesitate.

She smiled and said simply: “Fun.”

It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the right environment unlocks a whole new level of engagement—and a whole new side of a participant.

“That’s Our Hannah!”: A Cheerleading Trailblazer

But Hannah’s story this year goes far beyond the art studio.

In fact, she made headlines—literally.

Hannah was recently celebrated on reporter Kaitlyn Ross’s Facebook page after her unforgettable moment at Hannah’s high school. As she walked across the field, the crowd erupted in applause, and someone shouted exactly what everyone felt: “That’s our Hannah!”

Hannah is believed to be one of the first students with Down syndrome to be a full member of her school’s varsity cheerleading team, a milestone made possible because four years ago, two coaches said yes. Yes to inclusion. Yes to possibility. Yes to Hannah.

Her mom, Beth, shared how these coaches embraced her as one of their own, creating a ripple effect of kindness and acceptance across the entire school. Even Hannah’s teacher showed up early to help her with hair and makeup on her big night—another act of love surrounding a young woman who brings joy everywhere she goes.

Kaitlyn Ross captured it perfectly: “A celebration of inclusion, community, and the power of one yes.”

A Blessing in Italy

As if her year wasn’t extraordinary enough, Hannah also traveled to Italy, where she received a blessing from Pope Leo during a General Audience at the Vatican. Her mother, Beth, described it as a profoundly moving experience. “Pope Leo routinely meets with people with disabilities and their families… We are lifelong Catholics, so it was heartwarming to see how he, and others throughout Italy, embraced and valued her.”

Beth shared that everywhere they went, people stepped aside to give Hannah space, let her go first, and welcomed her with warmth and dignity. It was a reflection of the universal truth that inclusion transcends borders.

From blossoming during a pottery outing, to shining on the cheerleading field, to being embraced in the heart of Rome, Hannah’s year has been nothing short of inspiring. She reminds us that engagement looks different for every individual and that one moment, one opportunity, one yes can open doors to joy and confidence that last a lifetime.

We are so grateful to have Hannah as part of our GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta family. Here’s to her courage, her creativity, and all the incredible moments still ahead.

We’re cheering for you, Hannah—always.

Do you have a story to share about your loved one? Email Jennifer at jrackley@gigisplayhouse.org