On Sunday, the PBL community came together for a Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the high school track. Students, families and staff showed their love and support, enjoying snacks, games and raffle prizes. Posters of people in the community with Down syndrome were along the route, honoring those in town and those who have passed.
Darla Schall, an event organizer whose son has Down syndrome, shared her inspiration. She explained that since her child was little, she attended local awareness walks to show her support and wanted to bring the idea to PBL.
I definitely think it has been helpful getting the students to volunteer at these activities, she said. We've had a lot more kids with Down syndrome participating in activities, such as band and cross country. Students have gotten the opportunity to get to know these kids and realize they aren't as different as they may appear.
The walk wasn't just about one afternoon, Schall said, it was about building a culture of kindness and inclusion that will carry on.
— Brayden Kief