OLDS — École Olds High School (ÉCOHS) held Rock Your Socks Day on March 21 to promote World Down Syndrome Day, a day to show acceptance and appreciation of people with Down Syndrome.
People with Down Syndrome have an extra copy of their 21st chromosome. That results in physical and mental developmental delays and disabilities.
This year, there are two ÉCOHS students with Down Syndrome: Anthony, 16 and Connor, 15.
Jennie Moffat, an academic coach who works with both boys, says to her knowledge, this is the first year that ÉCOHS has had Down Syndrome students in the school and the first year it has held a Rock Your Socks Day.
Moffat explained that March 21 was Rock Your Socks Day because it was the 21st day of the third month, thus a logical day to promote awareness and understanding regarding people who have Down Syndrome.
Students and staff were encouraged to wear mismatched socks that day to show their solidarity and appreciation of people with Down Syndrome.
Anthony and Connor wore mismatched socks as did Moffat. In her case, she wore bacon and egg socks. One sock depicted slices of bacon. Another sock depicted fried eggs.
World Down Syndrome has been observed by the United Nations since 2012.
“We celebrate by wearing mismatched socks on March 21 to celebrate or bring awareness to World Down Syndrome Day because we want people to know how amazing kids are with Down Syndrome,” Moffat said.
Videos such as Just Like Us, about the syndrome, were also shown during the day.
“They’re not too different. They’re just like everybody else, right? They’ve got fantastic qualities. They bring joy and smiles and laughter to everybody,” Moffat said.
“You know, we all have differences. We all have different things that make us shine in different ways, just like kids with Down Syndrome.”
Moffat asked Connor and Anthony what their favourite thing to do is.
“Just (telling) jokes," Connor said. Anthony echoed that thought.
Anthony also said he likes to watch funny movies.
Anthony and Connor spent all day March 21 checking to see if ÉCOHS students had mismatched socks.
The school population is divided into quads. Each student found to have mismatched socks that day obtained points for their quad.
Moffat said they’ll know the total at the end of the month when quad points are added up.
"We just want people to know that Down Syndrome kids have a lot to offer and they bring joy and smiles all around and they make this community a better place and they make the school a better place,” she said.
