Zoey Beck is spreading an important message about Down Syndrome.

“I want people to know that individuals with Down Syndrome are capable and full of joy. They bring so much love and positivity to the world and deserve to be included and celebrated,” said Beck, a junior early childhood education major at PennWest Clarion who grew up in Grove City, Pennsylvania.

About 175 people, including Beck’s teammates on the Golden Eagles swimming and diving team, showed their support of World Down Syndrome Day during a run/walk that she organized March 21 at Memorial Stadium. Student-athletes from various Clarion teams, as well as university and community participants and PennWest President Jon Anderson, also joined.

“Our son Bryce has Down Syndrome, and he is the light and center of our home and family,” Anderson said. “Any time we can take the chance to celebrate his role in our life and celebrate the impact of all people who have Down Syndrome, we will do it.”

In addition to walking, Anderson and his wife Kristy started donation accounts at each of the PennWest foundations (Clarion, Edinboro and California) to support celebrating World Down Syndrome Day and to support students who study special education.

WDSD is held annually on March 21, a date chosen for the significance of “3” and “21” to the Down Syndrome genetic disorder. The number represents the triplication of the 21^st chromosome.

This year's run/walk was the third WDSD event Beck has organized. The first two were 321-yard swim challenges for her swim teams, first at Gannon University, where she spent her freshman year, and now at PennWest Clarion, where she transferred last year. The Tippin Natatorium pool was unavailable this year, so she opted to celebrate WDSD with a run/walk.

Beck’s support of people with Down Syndrome began through her mom, Michelle Beck, who graduated in 1996 from Edinboro University with a bachelor’s degree in education, and whom she describes as “the greatest teacher I have ever met.” Michelle Beck taught Drew MacIsaac, who has Down Syndrome, in kindergarten at Hillview Elementary School, Grove City.

Beck has celebrated World Down Syndrome Day every year since she was in middle school. Her first organized celebration of WDSD was a 321-yard swim that her Grove City YMCA swim team coach planned.

“I think that is where my brain shifted to say that I was a part of something bigger than myself,” Beck said.

Beck’s family has maintained contact with Drew MacIsaac and his family, who continue to inspire them. They are close to other Down Syndrome families, including the Lindhs in Grove City and the Zdinaks in Pittsburgh. This year’s walk celebrated the Lindhs’ daughter, Marley. The family had swim caps made for the entire Golden Eagles swim and dive team to support Beck’s advocacy. Beck said these families have shown her what true community looks like.

“As an aspiring teacher, I know how important it is to teach children the value of kindness, inclusion and celebrating differences. I want every child to feel seen and valued,” Beck said. “People with Down Syndrome are not defined by it. If we take the time to listen to and support them, we can make the world a more inclusive and loving place. Raising awareness isn’t just about one day; it’s about creating a world where we accept and support each other.”

To view photos of the walk, click here.