Two Ohio Children Shine Bright in Times Square After Being Chosen for National Down Syndrome Society Video
Two children from central Ohio are about to experience a moment they will never forget—seeing their faces displayed high above the crowds and bright lights of New York City’s Times Square.

Carter Cherry, 10, from Powell, and Alaina Buckingham, 14, from New Albany, have been selected to appear in the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square video presentation, a celebration designed to highlight the lives, achievements, individuality and beauty of people with Down syndrome.

Their selection is especially meaningful because they were chosen from more than 2,700 entries submitted from across the country and beyond.

For Alaina’s family, learning that her photograph had been selected was an incredibly proud and emotional moment.

Her mother, Tanya Buckingham, said the fact that Alaina’s picture stood out among thousands of submissions from across the United States—and potentially from other parts of the world—made the recognition even more special.

It is more than simply seeing a photograph on a giant screen. For the family, it represents recognition, inclusion and an opportunity for Alaina to be part of a much larger celebration.

Carter’s family is equally excited about what the experience could mean for him.

His mother, Deirdre Cherry, said she believes seeing people with Down syndrome being celebrated in one of the most recognizable public places in the world can be incredibly powerful for her son.

For Carter, the Times Square presentation offers a chance to see people like himself represented proudly and positively.

Deirdre said she hopes the experience will help reinforce an important message: people with Down syndrome deserve to be seen, celebrated and empowered just like everyone else.

The annual presentation features a one-hour video containing approximately 500 photographs of children, teenagers and adults with Down syndrome.

The participants represent all 50 U.S. states as well as 12 countries, creating a remarkable display of people and families from different backgrounds and communities.

Among those faces will be Carter and Alaina.

Their photographs will be shown on the giant screens of Times Square on September 12, giving the two Ohio children a moment in the spotlight that their families say they will cherish.

The presentation will take place ahead of New York’s Buddy Walk, an event that brings people together to promote acceptance, inclusion and awareness for individuals with Down syndrome.

For Carter and Alaina, however, the significance goes far beyond the bright lights of New York.

Their families see the opportunity as a celebration of who they are—and a reminder that every person has something unique and valuable to contribute.

For Alaina’s mother, seeing her daughter’s photograph selected from thousands of entries is a source of immense pride.

For Carter’s mother, watching her son see people with Down syndrome celebrated on such a huge stage represents something even deeper: the power of positive representation.

Soon, among the countless advertisements and glowing signs that illuminate Times Square, two young faces from Ohio will be shining brightly.

Carter and Alaina may only be two of the 500 people featured in the presentation, but to their families, friends and community, their appearance represents something much bigger—a celebration of inclusion, acceptance and the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome.

And for two Ohio children, it will be a moment when the whole world seems to stop and celebrate exactly who they are.