GiGi’s Playhouse Canton Youth Board
The GiGi's Playhouse Canton Youth Board is made up of dedicated and motivated high school students who see the importance of increasing awareness for individuals with Down syndrome, as well as creating an environment that is accepting, generous and kind: the three fundamentals of the Generation G Pledge. The purpose of the Youth Board is to spread the message of Generation G through hosting events for members of the community and GiGi's Playhouse families and encouraging other high school students to commit to signing and carrying out the Generation G Pledge.
All high school students who are interested in volunteering for the Youth Board must first go through the GiGi’s Playhouse volunteer onboarding process. To fill out your GiGi’s Playhouse volunteer interest form and Youth Board application, please click the buttons below.
For more information on our Generation G Youth Board, please contact our Youth Board Facilitator, Sierra Crow, at scoon@gigisplayhouse.org.
Youth Board Bios
Ava Weirtz, Chair
Jackson High School, Grade 12
Our family has been going to GiGi’s since it first opened. I have been volunteering for 5 years and I love it! I volunteer mainly in the Leaps & Bounds and LMNOP programs because I love working with the little ones! I love to crochet, sew, play with my dogs, and babysit in my free time. I am in the Cosmetology program at GlenOak. GiGi’s Playhouse holds a special place in my heart because so many people I care about, including my older sister Brenna, who has Down syndrome, have benefited from its incredible programs and community.
Summer Way, Volunteer Chair
Jackson High School, Grade 12
Hi! My name is Summer and I love volunteering at GiGi's! I assist in the infant and toddler fitness programs as well as LMNOP. I've been with the Youth Board for about 7 months now. I am now in the Volunteer Chair this year and I'm so excited to continue volunteering with GiGi's this year! I hope to major in social work next year to continue helping others!
Ethan Tonni, NGYB Representative
Jackson High School, Grade 12
I joined the Canton Youth Board soon after it was founded and have since helped lead and volunteer at Canton Playhouse events while sharing the message of #GenerationG across the community. I am also an independent journalist where I write about inclusion within the community and highlight voices that are often forgotten. I also serve as the President of the National #GenerationG Youth Board where I empower local Youth Boards to grow and succeed.
Mia Porter, Co-Marketer
Jackson High School, Grade 11
I dance at Bourn Academy of Dance and have been dancing for 14 years and competitively for 9. I’m also a part of the choir program at Jackson. This is my first year on the Youth Board, but I’m so excited to be a part of this group and learn from everyone around me.
Tessa Gabriel, Co-Marketer
Hoover High School, Grade 10
Roshan Patel, Gratitude Chair
Jackson High School, Grade 12
I have been volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since 2023. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the piano and have been a student at Pellegrino Music Studio since 2014. At Jackson, I am involved in the following organizations: Speech and Debate, Medical Club, Chinese Club, National Chinese Honors Society, and National Math Honors Society. I am also a 3-Time Varsity Member of the Jackson Boy’s Tennis Team. I decided early on that I wanted my community service to focus on the Down syndrome community, so I also volunteer my time with the organization Buddy Up For Life in Akron. As for teaching and organizing, which happens to be two of my strengths, I assist students in math and reading at the Kumon learning center in North Canton, Ohio. I am a proud member of the IAGC (Indian Association of Greater Canton) dance team and I speak multiple languages, Chinese and Gujarati.
Willie Sparkman, Member
Jackson High School, Grade 11
I am a part of Jackson School of the Arts Academy. I am on the Edge Dance Team and also a chorale and men’s chorus member. I’m excited for my first year at GiGi’s Playhouse and hoping to bring positive energy to the community!