The month of October doesn’t just bring a time of falling leaves, gritty football, cold weather, or pumpkin spice lattes––it’s also dedicated to promoting awareness and inclusion for those with Down Syndrome. 

LFHS students and staff strive to raise awareness and recognition for October, a month dedicated to celebrating students impacted by Down Syndrome. Senior Maria Alzamora reflects on what this month means to her as a student with Down Syndrome. 

“It’s a very meaningful month to me because of how people connect with my family and me to spread awareness about Down syndrome,” Maria said.

Throughout October, Maria joins others to help raise awareness. On October 13th, she joined the football team for their team dinner and then took a group picture after surrounding the awareness sign. Each player later posted the picture to their social media with the tag “Include all.”

“It was a very sweet moment, you guys are like a second family to me, and I love how everyone cares and wanted to be in the picture,” Maria said.

Although the center of attention was here in Lake Forest, Illinois, college junior Bobby Alzamora, Maria’s brother, strives to bring attention to it across the country. Bobby, who attends Southern Methodist University, tells us what this month means to him.

“The month means a lot to my family because we want to spread awareness for something that doesn’t get as much attention as other things do,” Bobby said.

As others continue to join the efforts in Lake Forest,  Bobby is bringing attention to Down Syndrome Awareness Month on his own campus.

“Being away at college, it’s been really cool that I found a way to get people at SMU involved,” said Alzamora. “Seeing the other guys in my fraternity coming and supporting my sister, who a lot of them haven’t even met, is so special because it just shows how they will always support me and my family.” 

Just like the athletes of LFHS come together to promote Maria’s message, Bobby works closely with the basketball team at SMU and even has Division 1 athletes spreading awareness.

“Working with the basketball team as well, it’s cool having players reaching out to me to take pictures to post and spread awareness on their platforms when a lot of them have a much bigger following than I do,” Bobby said. 

At LFHS, it’s clearly a top priority for students to spread the word of “Include All.” The community has done a great job, as the message of inclusion has spread to many other communities with the help of others.