A Veterans Memorial High School graduate, Jacquelina Alexis Mata, is proud to be representing her community as a shining bright star in the center of New York City’s Time Square. She will be helping to kick off the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) NYC Buddy Walk on September 12 in a video presentation which will be streamed worldwide on the organization’s social media channels.
“She was excited to hear that she was selected and started saying she was a movie star,” states Mrs. Nina Mata (Mata’s mother). “She felt like a true princess.”
Each year the NDSS receives over 2,000 photo submissions for the Times Square Video contest. The video features photographs highlighting children, teens and adults with Down syndrome working, playing and learning alongside friends and family. These images help promote acceptance and inclusion, which is the premise of NDSS and the National Buddy Walk® Program.
“Jacquelina is only one of five people from the Rio Grande Valley to be chosen for this honor,” states Mrs. Mata
This year because of the pandemic the NYC Buddy Walk will be a virtual one but nevertheless a real walk. Participants get to choose their own course, start time, and who walks with you. It is a one-mile walk and anyone can participate. Join your family and friends, and the NDSS community all across the country for a virtual experience in celebration of loved ones with Down syndrome.