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 JSerra’s 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

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.

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 grow, one act of kindness at a time.