According to the CDC, one in about every 700 babies is born with down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Whether or not you know someone with Down syndrome, you can raise awareness on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21st. All over the world, people will be showing their support for Down syndrome by wearing their silliest socks, and all North Penn students are encouraged to participate.

Mrs. Kristen Panaski, health teacher, P.E. teacher, and Unified Special Olympics Bocce coach, interacts with students with DS every day at North Penn and wants all her students to wear different socks in support.

“A student on my bocce team has DS. We are supposed to go to states for bocce, weather pending, on Wednesday, and our team is [wearing socks] to support her and all other students with DS at North Penn. You can show your support by wearing brightly colored socks, mismatched socks, or even extra socks to signify the extra chromosome that people with Down syndrome usually carry. The symbolism of the socks is to illustrate the beauty of diversity,” said Panaski.

2017 was the first year that March 21st was recognized as World Down syndrome Day, and the sock campaign hopes to keep people talking and raise awareness.

“I think anytime you can raise awareness for a cause, it’s a good thing. If we can get 3,000 people to do it, people are going to notice,” commented Mr. Kyle Berger, director of student activities at North Penn High School.

Multiple socks, mismatched socks, patterned socks, and even colored socks will signify your support and hopefully start a conversation.

“Let’s support inclusion and celebrate our students at North Penn with Down Syndrome this Wednesday by wearing crazy socks!” said Panaski.