Jianna Kim, Class of 2025, has been at Germantown Academy since Kindergarten. While she is recognized by many of her peers as an active leader of CSO and as a talented musician, most people don’t know that she runs 3 non-profit organizations and has traveled to Germany to support athletes at the Special Olympics World Game Berlin 2023.
Kim ‘25 has been able to carve a path of selfless service through her involvement with the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics organization partners with 172 countries to aid people with intellectual disabilities, through the power of sports. Her journey into volunteering with the Special Olympics began in middle school, guided by the legacy of her family’s commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities. Jianna’s grandparents have dedicated their time to volunteering with Special Olympics for twenty-seven years.
“Since I was three, my mother would bring me along to various events and board meetings related to the Special Olympics that my grandfather was involved in,” said Jianna.
Her involvement intensified when she joined the Montgomery County Track and Field team in 6th grade, evolving from a Youth Volunteer to a Coach by the 8th grade.
“A typical day of volunteering usually involves getting to practice early and helping set up stations of activities for the day (ex. Agility ladder drills, cones along the track, hand weights, shot puts, etc.),” Jianna said.
Jianna also prioritizes the athletes’ mental health and psychological state, encouraging them to enjoy their practice and perform to the best of their abilities. This fall, she was even able to initiate a plaque installation project with Worcester Township to encourage and support Special Olympics athletes and their families.
Along with her active role in Special Olympics, Jianna founded GIVE-Youth in 2020, a non-profit aimed at inspiring youth engagement in volunteerism. The organization, which now boasts sixty-seven members across three countries and five states, has undertaken numerous projects, from book donation drives to clothing collections for the homeless.
“I realized the profound impact my early engagement in volunteering had on my life: it had shaped my values, reaffirmed my empathy for others, and ignited a drive to make a difference,” Jianna said.
Due to her efforts, she became inspired to establish a platform where other young individuals could get involved in service. Jianna’s leadership has seen GIVE-Youth grow exponentially, gaining local recognition through concerts and art exhibitions focused on children with autism.
Jianna, a two-time PMEA Flute Qualifier and participant in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, is also the co-founder of the Grace Chamber Music Youth Club (GCMYC). GCMYC organizes sensory-friendly fundraising concerts for the Special Olympics.
“These events have not only been a source of joy but have also helped us raise a total of $7,260 with an audience of 350 people across our concerts,” Jianna said. The musical outreach extends to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, showcasing Jianna’s commitment to making the arts accessible to all.
Running non-profit organizations comes with its challenges, particularly in managing geographical distances and coordinating group activities. Jianna’s innovative approach involves appointing local leaders and establishing regional groups to ensure the seamless execution of projects. Despite these challenges, GIVE-Youth has achieved remarkable milestones, including a successful international clothing drive and annual fundraising initiatives.
Beyond her school and non-profit endeavors, Jianna has ventured into the business world with the creation of Art for Intellectual Disabilities Agency LLC (AID Agency). AID Agency focuses on supporting artists with intellectual disabilities by connecting them with local businesses for art exhibitions, providing a sustainable income through a decor rental service.
Looking ahead, Jianna envisions the launch of the ‘Special Medical Clinic,’ a project that brings medical professionals to provide free services to Special Olympics athletes and those with disabilities.
“I am planning to organize a project where doctors from various fields and dental residents from Penn Medicine provide free medical services to Special Olympics athletes and those with disabilities in general, Kim said. “The idea is to have these doctors visit during our weekly practice sessions to examine the athletes every other month.” Inspired by her experience at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Jianna aims to address health concerns regularly and make healthcare more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Jianna Kim, with her unwavering dedication, is not just a student at our school; she embodies the GA mission statement through service, talent, and compassion, inspiring us all to make a difference in the world. As we celebrate Jianna’s achievements, we are reminded that each act of kindness, each note played, and each initiative undertaken has the power to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.