Why They Crowned Mary Margaret Homecoming Queen

by Rod Dreher from the American Conservative:
After several people on a thread below expressed skepticism about West Feliciana High School students voting Mary Margaret Burns, a classmate with Down syndrome, as this year’s homecoming queen, a few of those who know her chimed in to challenge the naysayers. I especially like this one, from a girl who was on the homecoming court:

I’m also from West Feliciana High school, and I also personally know Mary Margaret. Along with Mary Margaret, I was on homecoming court. All of us on court wanted Mary Margaret to be crowned queen. We talked about it all the time and looked forward to stepping onto the field Friday night and getting to witness such a beautiful girl and dear friend be recognized as homecoming queen. We couldn’t wait to see her reaction, that joy she would soon be filled with. She was very deserving of the crown and we all knew she would win before it was even announced because she is evident in our school. We all love her to death and care for her very deeply. She is so much fun to be around and talk to. She was not chosen because of her disability, she was chosen because of the huge heart she has and the ability to make anyone smile. When she comes up to you and gives you a hug and asks you how you are doing it automatically puts a smile on your face, and everyone in our school knows exactly what I’m talking about. Like I said, she wasn’t chosen because of her disability. But yes, it is a big deal and a very proud moment for her because while we can go on to college, get married, have kids of our own, and have many other opportunities in life, she won’t get to grow up and be able to say she has done everything and accomplished some of the things we have/will. That does not make her lesser of a person, but Friday night was huge for her in the fact that she will remember that night forever. October 19th will never be forgotten for her. That meant as much to her as getting married or graduating college or landing a successful job is to us. I love Mary Margaret with all of my heart and as much as my school and town loves her, she loves us that much back. I wouldn’t of wanted anyone else to win homecoming queen rather than her. Even though me and 8 of my other friends were up there in the running for queen also, none of us would have wanted it any other way. It was an amazing experience for her and her family and to be able to congratulate her parents and see that look in their eyes was one of the most heart warming feelings. They are so proud of her and happy that their daughter was able to experience such a special moment in her life that, I know, she will never forget.

Student with Down syndrome crowned homecoming queen

by Tyana Williams WAFB 9:

Their football team left the field with a loss in Thursday night's homecoming game in Livingston Parish, but two Juban Parc Junior High football players still had huge smiles. That's because a plan they've been working on since last year got a classmate some special attention. They say that's the win that really matters.

Inside JPJH is a student that everyone knows. Her class is not as large as others, but anyone will tell you her heart is.

"She's kind towards everybody and has a really sweet heart," said Kallie Pope, an eighth grader at the school.

Kallie said she's known Meghan Burns since the fourth grade. Teachers say Kallie is one of the girls who watches out for Meghan - at school dances and sports games.

Dillon Boyle and Mathew Guzzardo met Meghan two years ago, in sixth grade.

"She's got a good heart...she's nice to everybody," said Guzzardo.

"I'll be in the hallway and I'll say, 'Hey Meghan' and she'll say, 'Hey Dillon, what you doing?'" said Boyle.

Dillon said he was watching television last year when he saw something about a school voting a girl with Down syndrome as homecoming queen. He says that's when he decided to get his classmates to do the same for Meghan. And, he asked Mathew to help him.

"At first, some didn't think we were serious," Guzzardo said. "Then, after we told a lot of people, most decided they were going to do it."

Dillon said they really spread the word, mainly through their football team, and that's what really got things moving.

So, Wednesday night when Meghan walked down the 50-yard line, as the announcer named those on the homecoming court, no one was surprised. In fact, there were lots of cheers when her name was called. And, her personality really showed through as she posed, while her list of accomplishments and awards from competing in the Special Olympics were read.

Even though Meghan has Down syndrome, her classmates say she's no different from them. So, when her name was called as homecoming queen, the stadium erupted in cheers.

"We just jumped up and started screaming, hollering," said Pope.

"We were all in tears, so excited. Ran and hugged her. She was so happy," said Alexus Day, another classmate.

Turns out, Meghan got 90 percent of the votes.

"We knew 'cause so many people said they were going to vote for her," Day said.

When Meghan showed up at school Thursday in her sash and crown, the students realized just how much the honor meant.

"She's strutting her stuff," said Boyle. "Biggest smile on her face from ear to ear. It was amazing. Made me feel I did something good."

Perhaps the students at Juban Parc Junior High have already learned what the poster in Meghan's class states, "Expect to be accepted for who you are."

One of the teachers at the school says Meghan's mom told her she had no idea the kids cared so much for her daughter.

Video from CAMP PALs Closing Ceremonies

from the staff at Camp PALs:

Wow… we can’t believe the inaugural year is over already. Here is the final video we played during Camp PALS West 2012’s Closing Ceremonies. We our campers and counselors so much already, and we can’t wait to see you all again next year. In the meantime, stay in touch!

PALS programs provide a place for young adults with Down syndrome and their peers to try new experiences, gain independence, and build lasting friendships. Learn more at http://www.palsprograms.org/

Buddy Campers learn about inclusion and acceptance

from the Daniel Island News by Emily Johnston:
If you walked through the doors of Providence Baptist Church on a morning last week, you would have been welcomed by the wonderful group of therapists and volunteers at this year’s Buddy Camp.
For the past six years, the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry (DSAL) and Coastal Therapy Services have worked closely together to host Buddy Camp in order to give children with Down syndrome and typically developing children an opportunity to form lasting friendships while promoting inclusion and acceptance.
On the Monday of camp, the Buddy Campers with Down syndrome bring a sibling or a friend who is a typically developing child around the same age; for the remainder of the week, the children are “buddies.”  Each set of buddies gets a volunteer who makes an award for each child and presents it to them on the last day of camp. The volunteers that worked with the kids are mostly graduate students from MUSC and nearby universities like USC and Appalachian State.
This year’s Buddy Camp received a grant from the Charleston Country Medical Society Alliance. “The grant that we received is responsible for everything,” said Shelley Ackley.
Ackley, a speech pathologist for Coastal Therapy Services and one of the Buddy Camp coordinators, was nothing but thrilled to talk about everything that went on during the camp. Every day there were 30-45 minute sessions with music therapist Jennifer Gosset. “They absolutely love the music sessions,” said Shelley of the children, “they jump and sing. It’s a great time.”
Katrina Sander says that her son Joshua loves the music portion of the camp, showing a special interest in the xylophone. Other fun events that occurred during the week included painting and crafts, a visit from eight therapy dogs from K9 Cares, a dance lesson from Trudy’s dance studio, and even an opportunity to play with some large tortoises brought to the camp by Stephanie Burgess. At the end of the week the camp invited the children’s families to the church for a farewell pizza party.
Having a daughter with Down Syndrome, Bobby Howard, the President of the DSAL, holds events such as Buddy Camp close to his heart. He notes that Buddy Camp’s main goal is to establish friendships that will last well into the future. Bobby went on to say that it is extremely important to have events like Buddy Camp for the children to under-stand the importance of acceptance.
Along with Buddy Camp, DSAL also puts on many other events throughout the Lowcountry, including cookouts, youth groups, and the annual Buddy Walk that will take place this year on October 7 at Etiwan Park.
For more information on DSAL and events that they host, visit their website at: dsalowcountry.orgFor more information on Coastal Therapy Services, visit their website at: coastaltherapyservices.com