Teen Tastic+JSerra: A Perfect (Water Polo) Match Made in Heaven

The JSerra Varsity Boys Water Polo joins forces with GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County Teens

On September 25th, the teens from GiGi’s Playhouse TeenTastic group experienced a night they will never forget as they were honored guests at the JSerra High School Varsity Boys Water Polo game. The event was nothing short of a red-carpet affair, where the teens were warmly welcomed by both the incredible Boy’s and Girl’s Water Polo teams. Laughter and joy filled the air as they shared moments of dancing during game breaks, relishing every moment together. The evening culminated in a delicious dinner, enjoyed in the company of new friends.

What made the night truly special were the connections formed between the GiGi’s teens and the water polo players, showcasing the power of community and inclusion. These friendships are more than just memories—they’re a testament to the kindness and camaraderie shared that evening. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this magical night possible, and to the water polo teams for creating such an unforgettable and welcoming experience for our teens!

Over the past year, a remarkable bond has flourished between the JSerra Water Polo teams and GiGi’s Playhouse TeenTastic group. What began with the Varsity Boys hosting kickball games and pizza parties has blossomed into a meaningful connection, with the teens being invited as honored guests to their games. This growing relationship has been so impactful that the Girls’ Water Polo team is now eagerly joining in, planning their own TeenTastic events to continue fostering these connections.

Service is a cornerstone of JSerra’s values, and the involvement of these young volunteers has brought an incredible sense of joy, laughter, and inclusion to our teens. These moments of fun have created lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences, enriching the lives of everyone involved.

Here is an article that is posted on the JSerra High School website that also covers the relationship with GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County.

Chandni’s brother and JSerra water polo player, Aashman Jain, witnessed the bond between his sister and the water polo team and was inspired to take the spirit of inclusion even further. He thought of combining the camaraderie of JSerra’s water polo team with another passion—supporting children with special needs. This idea blossomed into a partnership with Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center that provides a nurturing environment for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

“At JSerra Catholic High School, inclusion is more than a value, it’s a way of life. This truth is evident in the story of Chandni Jain, who’s become a beloved member of the JSerra water polo community. Chandni’s joyful presence and the warm reception she’s received from the team and their families have sparked a ripple effect, inspiring a broader movement of inclusion and kindness toward the special needs community at JSerra. During water polo games, Chandni is often found on the sidelines, cheering for her friends with JSerra-colored pom-poms. The players, in turn, have welcomed her with open arms, greeting her with high-fives before and after their games.

For Chandni, these moments of connection and inclusion are deeply meaningful. But what is equally meaningful is the impact she has on the players themselves. The boys often remark that Chandni’s smile and hugs make their day.

Sparking an Idea: Kickball with Gigi’s Playhouse

The result: a kickball event hosted at JSerra, where participants from GiGi’s Playhouse were paired with JSerra water polo players for a day of fun and friendship. The team was thrilled to welcome members of Gigi’s Playhouse back to campus for the second-annual kickball game, which took place in August.

Inspired by the water polo team’s actions, other members of the JSerra community have begun to get involved, as volunteers flocked to Gigi’s Playhouse to offer their time and support over the summer and beyond.

JSerra’s dedication to the special needs community is not just about events and volunteering—it’s about creating lasting relationships, building a culture of acceptance, and ensuring that every individual feels valued and included. This is the legacy of JSerra, and it’s a legacy that will continue to gro”w, one act of kindness at a time.”

If you want to learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse and the Teen Tastic program, please check out our calendar at www.gigisplayhouse.org/orangecounty/sfcalendar.