Dress Down for Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a severe chromosomal condition that affects thousands of individuals in the U.S. To help spread awareness of this condition, Liberty North High School is participating in Dress Down for Down Syndrome starting Monday, October 31st.

   “October is national Down Syndrome month so dress down for Down Syndrome is a program to help raise awareness of Down Syndrome and how many lives are affected. The funds go to the Down Syndrome chapter which does various fundraisers,” teacher Matt Saucier said.

   Saucier has been teaching for the gateway program for nine years. The gateway program is a life and job based program for students with conditions such as Down Syndrome.

   “I get to do some pretty neat things that not everyone gets to do, I help people who have a disadvantage and help them become a contributing member to society whether the president or bagging groceries. It matters what makes you happy so helping them do whatever they want to do,” Saucier said.

   By working in the gateway program, two Down Syndrome specialists reached out to Saucier to participate in the Dress Down for Down Syndrome event.

   “It’s a district thing and it’s pretty new. I was notified about it and asked if I would help out because it’s what my job is about. Of course I agreed and it’s purpose is a really good one,” Saucier said.

   Saucier explains that there are still many ways outside of school students can help contribute to raising awareness of Down Syndrome.

   “They have a newsletter on a website called down syndrome guild of Kansas city. There you can donate online or through a credit card. There’s various events such as a few 5K’s and some walks. It’s fairly new,” Saucier said.