Volunteer Spotlight: GiGi’s Playhouse Canton Youth Board – Leading with Heart and Purpose

This May, we are excited to shine the Volunteer Spotlight on an incredible group of young leaders making a real difference—our GiGi’s Playhouse Canton Youth Board. These teens are much more than volunteers—they are passionate advocates, program leaders, and champions for acceptance.

Their journey with GiGi’s Playhouse started in different ways, but each member shared a common thread: they were excited & curious about what was yet to come.

Why They Chose GiGi’s

Many of our Youth Board members first discovered GiGi’s through school announcements, websites, or local events. What brought them in was often a school club or National Honor Society prerequisite—but what kept them here was something deeper.

Adison Wierzbicki, Co-President of the Youth Board, said it best:

“I started volunteering for NHS hours, but I continue because I love the environment! Everyone is so kind and supportive—it’s incredible to be a part of.”

June Price, also a Co-President, echoed this sentiment:

“At first I joined with my best friend for NHS, but now it’s the community that keeps me coming back.”

Ethan Tonni’s story is deeply personal—his brother Gabriel, who has Down syndrome, introduced him to GiGi’s from day one.

“Even before I started volunteering, I knew I wanted to be on the Youth Board. I’ve been involved since Canton’s inaugural event.”

Others, like Breana Le, were looking for a unique way to give back.

“I didn’t want a typical volunteer experience—I wanted something meaningful. GiGi’s offered that.”

What They Do

This team of student leaders does far more than attend meetings—they help power the programs and events that make GiGi’s special.

• Adison & June GiGiFIT Kids program volunteer assistants, helping young participants gain strength and confidence.
• Ethan uses his marketing savvy to spread Generation G across social media and beyond.
• Breana has led GiGiFIT Teen and GiGi’s Kitchen Kids, bringing fun and hands-on experiences to every session.
• Ava Morman serves as Volunteer Chair, tracking hours and organizing service projects like World Down Syndrome Day.
• Summer Way supports our youngest participants in LMNOP and infant fitness.
• Roshan Patel is part of our Gratitude Efforts Committee and a helping hand in Destination Discovery.
• Ava Weirtz, who was inspired by her sister with Down syndrome, has volunteered with our littlest participants for four years.

Their roles might differ, but their impact is shared—each of them is helping build a stronger, more inclusive community.

Favorite Moments that Made Life Long Memories

From the classroom to the kitchen, the Youth Board has made countless memories. When asked to pick favorites, these moments stood out:

• Adison: “Helping lead GiGiFIT and seeing the kids’ improvement—it’s so inspiring!”
• June: “Watching the kids get stronger and more confident every week; that’s the best part.”
• Breana: “Dancing to Just Dance with the participants and cooking together in GiGi’s Kitchen. Those smiles stick with you.”
• Ethan: “The Gala is my favorite—celebrating our work with our community and seeing participants shine.”
• Ava Morman: “Organizing World Down Syndrome Day was the highlight of my year.”
• Summer: “Watching the babies learn to walk—those are moments I’ll never forget.”
• Ava Weirtz: “Meeting GiGi herself at A Night Out was unforgettable.”
• Roshan: “Our Christmas party had amazing energy and support—it was a great reminder of our impact.”

Leaders of Today—and Tomorrow

These young people aren’t just the future—they’re already making a difference today. They represent the best of what GiGi’s Playhouse stands for: acceptance, inclusion, and community.

We’re proud of every member of our Youth Board and grateful for their time, energy, and passion. Whether they’re heading off to college, continuing their volunteer journey, or passing the torch to new leaders, their contributions will be felt for years to come.

Let’s give it up for the 2024-2025 GiGi’s Playhouse Canton Youth Board; you are truly changing the world, one smile at a time.

Special Shout Out to Our Graduating Seniors

🎓 Special Shoutout to Our Graduating Seniors!

We want to send a heartfelt congratulations to our graduating seniors: Ava Morman, June Price, Adison Wierzbicki, Breana Le, and Swetha Sujendran.

Your dedication to spreading the Generation G campaign message of global acceptance for all has made a lasting impact on GiGi’s Playhouse and our entire community. Thank you for your time, leadership, and heart. We can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll do next!

If you are interested in learning more about our Youth Board and helping spread Generation G, use the email below to learn more!

youthcanton@gigisplayhouse.org