Literacy Tutors Make a Difference: Lena’s Best of All Moments
At GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, every tutoring session is more than just practice—it’s a step toward building confidence, independence, and a love of learning. Our volunteer tutors work one-on-one with participants, helping them reach their goals both inside and outside the classroom. And sometimes, those moments of growth show up in the most exciting ways.
For Lena, one of those moments came last week.
Maria, Lena’s literacy tutor, joined their weekly session expecting to work on reading and writing as usual. But Lena had something special planned. With a huge smile, she told Maria she had a surprise.
“Close your eyes!” she said.
When Maria opened them, she saw a letter proudly displayed on the screen. As she began reading it, the excitement grew:
Dear Student and Parent/Guardian:
Congratulations! Rosalena has achieved academic excellence by earning one or more academic awards. This is an outstanding achievement and one for which we want to honor your student. Please join us in the Mall Auditorium, at which time Rosalena will be presented with an academic award.
It was official—Lena had earned her very first academic award!
Her mom shared that not only is this Lena’s first award, but her grades have been improving ever since she began GiGi’s Literacy Tutoring. That news meant the world to Maria.
“I was so happy to hear this,” Maria said. “It made me realize I am truly making a difference in her life. I’m grateful to work with her and help her as she makes strides in her academic career. I just know GiGi’s is making such an impact on everyone that participates in their programs.”
Moments like these are what GiGi’s is all about—celebrating progress, cheering on achievements, and reminding every participant that their hard work matters. We are so proud of Lena for her dedication and can’t wait to see her continue to shine in school and beyond.
Your Support Makes Stories Like This Possible
Every academic milestone, every proud smile, and every first award happens because of caring volunteers, dedicated families, and supporters like you.
Learn more about our tutoring programs or Donate today to help more students like Lena succeed.
A Note of Gratitude: Galen’s Growth and Milestones with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse
“Dear GiGi’s Virtual Team, We want you to know how much we love your programs and teachers. You have made a profound difference in our lives, and it’s hard to believe how much growth has happened for Galen since he started attending programs in September!” New Signs of Communication: The Impact of LMNOP “Galen signed…
Forming friendships through volunteering
“Every program I go to makes me smile. After a few weeks, the regular attendees knew me, and I know them, so it feels like we are forming meaningful friendships through the programs.” Annika got involved in GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse programs, as well as physical programs at the San Diego playhouse, in hopes to gain…
Celebrating Team Jade: Leading the Charge for Acceptance in the Virtual GiGiFIT Challenge
We are so thrilled to highlight our first team to reach $1,000 in our GiGiFIT Acceptance Virtual Movement Challenge this year! This incredible team is using our peer-to-peer fundraising event to raise funds to support the virtual free programming offered to families worldwide. They believe in acceptance for ALL and are changing the way the…