A Twin Falls cheerleader will be featured in this Saturday’s annual National Down Syndrome Society Times Square video presentation.

Nora Tuttle’s submitted photo, taken by the Snake River, was selected from about 2,700 entries.

CREDIT: Liz Tuttle(Liz Tuttle)
“I’m so excited,” Tuttle said.

Nora’s mother, Liz Tuttle, said the photo was taken during a family photo session last fall. She said she has submitted photos in the past without being selected.

“We have had other families that we know in the down syndrome community that have submitted pictures and gotten chosen to be in times square and so we just thought we would try,” Liz Tuttle said.

Liz Tuttle said she did not know the family’s chances of being selected and did not think about it much after submitting. She said organizers reached out last month to let the family know Nora had been chosen.

Liz Tuttle said the family will not watch the presentation from home. They are flying to New York City for the first time to see Nora’s photo on the Jumbotron in Times Square.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.. not many people get to see their child in Times Square and so we’re pretty fortunate that she was selected and we’re excited to see her and raise some awareness about down syndrome,” Liz Tuttle said.

Liz Tuttle said she submitted photos in the past without being selected.

“We have had other families that we know in the down syndrome community that have submitted pictures and gotten chosen to be in times square and so we just thought we would try,” Liz Tuttle said.

Presentation to feature 500 photos
The presentation will feature more than 500 photos of individuals with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 12 countries.

The New York City Buddy Walk will follows the presentation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. Liz Tuttle said the family will not participate in the walk.

Liz Tuttle said the family plans to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum during their trip.

“We’ll be there for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 so we’re going to go see the 9/11 memorial museum and just see the sights,” Liz Tuttle said.

This is Nora’s first year cheerleading.

Liz Tuttle said she hopes a message about her daughter spreads.

“People with down syndrome are more alike than different… she is perfect and we’re just so proud of her,” Liz Tuttle said.

The presentation can be viewed live on Facebook for those who cannot attend in New York City.