Volunteer Spotlight – Derick Schwedt!
Last night, we were supposed to be at the Playhouse for Friends, Fun & Fitness with Mr. Derick. Although we could not be together, we are so grateful for Derick and the time he gives at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. See what he says about his experience as a volunteer:
"For starters, my name is Derick Schwedt and I am from the Cleveland area. I graduated from the University of Mount Union in 2014. Taught Health and Physical Education in Cleveland for 3 years. In 2018 I earned my Adapted Physical Education endorsement through Wright State. I am currently in my 5th year of teaching but 2nd year as the APE teacher for Jackson Local Schools. I am also the Head Girls Track & Field coach for the middle school. As the APE teacher, I have an awesome perk for my teaching role which is I teach the APE students from Kindergarten to when they graduate from high school. Having the opportunity to physically see them grow over the years makes me excited for the years to come.
When I am not teaching/coaching you can usually find me staying busy. I am a busy body and enjoy being active. I get my workouts in at Midnight City Crossfit at the 5:30 A.M. class! I enjoy many extracurricular activities such as yoga, bowling, running/cycling, ski club, and hiking for some examples. The list could keep on going but wanted to share are some of my favorites = color: baby blue, food: lasagna, music: hip-hop/rap, season: summer, clothing: dri-fit, and holiday: Christmas because my birthday is two days later.
Enough about me and let me talk to you about GiGi's! I found this amazing place through my friends Cyd and Andy. At the time, I was living in North Canton and wanted to get involved in the area. I am an avid volunteer during the summers at Flying Horse Farms but wanted a place closer to home and where I worked. When I heard it was opening I knew right away I wanted to get involved some how with GiGi's. Couldn't have been more perfect but there was a Fitness program (Friends, Fun & Fitness) that needed volunteers to run it. Fast forward to months later being one of the program leaders, FFF has given me the opportunity to continue my passion in educating individuals with a disability on how to be fit while also having tons of fun. I am giving a shout out to the fantastic FFF crew (Jeff, Cyd, Steve, Sara, Amy). The crew and I make sure the participants and volunteers are enjoying their time at GiGi's being fit, making new friends, and having as much fun as they can. This program continues to grow and I am blessed to be apart of it.
Friends, Fun & Fitness
- Derick Schwedt"