UISD Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day with Proclamation and Cherish Students Fashion Show

Posted Date: 03/21/2024

The UISD Special Education Department gathered with parents to celebrate the unique talents of students on World Down Syndrome Day.  The day started with a Proclamation by Laredo Mayor Victor Treviño, which was followed by a DS Fashion Show featuring the children from the Cherish Center and sponsored by A21 Modeling Studio and local model Marcela Delgado.   

The event was held for the 2nd year in a row at the Elias Herrera Middle School Cafeteria.  Participants included UISD Board Member Javier Montemayor, Jr., Administrator-in-Charge Rebecca Morales, Executive Director of Special Education Laura De Los Santos and Directors Joseph Lopez and Francisco Gutierrez.  

One by one, about 50 students from the UISD Cherish Center made their way down the stage showing off their fashion flair and beautiful personalities. The audience was full of proud parents capturing all the action and glamour, and some stayed to take photos with them and their teachers after the show.

World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012 in order to raise public awareness of Down Syndrome. It promotes access to health care, early intervention programs, inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, all vital to the growth and development of the individual. 

This year, there is a special theme and call for people around the world to "End the Stereotypes" when it comes to people with Down Syndrome.  The United Nations says DS or Trisomy 21 is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition. UISD is proud to feature the extraordinary talents and accomplishments of the Down Syndrome students.