Mikey’s Path of Positivity is the first major initiative of the Michael “Mikey” Gioia Memorial Foundation—a tribute created to honor Mikey’s remarkable ability to see the good in everyone. In the courtyard of Jackson Township High School, we will be constructing a paver patio designed to uplift, encourage, and inspire. Each paver will be engraved with a positive affirmation purchased by members of the community, friends, and family. This walkway reflects Mikey’s greatest gift: his positivity, his kindness, and the way he made every person he met feel seen, valued, and supported.

The tragic loss of Mikey has allowed so many to truly recognize the impact he had on their lives. Whether it was a brief conversation in the hallway or an everyday connection, Mikey left people better than he found them. Mikey’s Path of Positivity stands as a reminder of that impact—a place of reflection, comfort, peace, and encouragement for students, families, and the entire community. Every engraved message will serve as a beacon of hope, carrying forward Mikey’s legacy of compassion and the belief that even the smallest words of support can change someone’s day, or even their life.

This memorial project is only the beginning of what the Gioia family has envisioned. The Michael “Mikey” Gioia Memorial Foundation is committed to promoting mental health awareness, supporting those navigating grief, and providing help during life’s most difficult moments. The foundation will also begin awarding scholarships and developing programs that mirror the way Mikey lived—giving back, lifting others, and offering steady support to those in need.

By choosing to be a part of this fundraiser, you are invited to select a meaningful positive affirmation to be engraved on a 4x8, 8x8, or 12x12 paver. Your words may one day be exactly what someone needs to read—to get through a hard moment, to find hope, to make a change, or to chase a dream they’ve begun to doubt. Together, we can build a beautiful memorial that ensures Mikey continues to touch lives now and for generations to come.