Drake’s Creek Middle School raises awareness for World Down Syndrome Day

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-Show some extra love to your buddies with an extra chromosome. 

“We are just like you.”

Tuesday is National Down Syndrome Awareness Day. 

A few members of Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky stopped by Drakes Creek Middle School where Buddy Asher is a student. 

“I have a peer tutor class with Asher. Asher is an excellent student and he’s one of my best friends. He’s always there for me when I need help, he’s a smart kid, he likes to get his work done on time and he’s a fun person to be around,” said his fellow student Kash Sampson. 

Students gathered in the gym to learn about down syndrome and the Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky Buddy House. 

“It’s a day they get to show they’re just like their peers. They’re just like you and I. And it’s a way to advocate and share with them, just treat us that way,” said DSSKY Executive Director Stephanie Morton. 

Being aware and being treated the same is how those with down syndrome say they are able to assimilate into everyday life. 

“These kids need our support cuz they try their hardest, they might be different but they all still have similarities like all of us. They like to do things like we do,” said Sampson. 

Students wearing the colors blue and yellow, or crazy socks is a way to show their support.

“The chromosomes when you look at the DNA panel, they look like a pair of socks and so crazy socks mean they’re just extra,” said Morton. 

“We rock,” said a few of the buddies.