Reed-Custer student headed for Times Square spotlight

A Reed-Custer Elementary School student’s infectious smile is about to appear on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Henry Ledlow, a second-grader at Reed-Custer Elementary School in Braidwood, has been selected to appear in the National Down Syndrome Society’s Times Square Video Presentation on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Henry’s photograph was chosen from more than 2,700 submissions received from around the world. His picture, showing him with a big smile while attending a fall festival, will be displayed on two Jumbotron screens in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.
He will be among more than 500 children, teens and adults with Down syndrome featured in this year’s presentation. Those selected represent all 50 states and 12 countries.
The annual video presentation is organized by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and promote greater acceptance and inclusion.
The Times Square presentation is held in conjunction with the annual New York City Buddy Walk, an event designed to promote acceptance, inclusion and awareness of people with Down syndrome.
For Henry, the event will provide an opportunity for a Braidwood youngster to represent his community while helping shine a national spotlight on people with Down syndrome.
Those unable to make the trip to New York will still have an opportunity to see Henry’s Times Square appearance. The video presentation will be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 12.
Reed-Custer families, students, faculty and friends are being encouraged to tune in and celebrate Henry’s special moment.
The National Down Syndrome Society was founded in 1979 and works to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, resources and community engagement.
NDSS also founded the National Buddy Walk Program in 1995. Today, approximately 150 Buddy Walk events are held in communities across the country and in select international locations.
Come Sept. 12, however, the local spotlight will be on one Reed-Custer second-grader whose smile will be hard to miss — especially when it is several stories tall in Times Square.