Down Syndrome fundraiser on March 22
Submitted photo<br> Claire Sheaffer (standing in front) and her family pose for a photo. Pictured are Teresa (from left), Jason, Rachel, Emily, Erin, Grace and Luke and his wife, Alanna.
Submitted photo<br> Clayton Shearer (front left) and his family pose for a photo. Pictured are Emmett (front right); and back row: Austin (from left), Courtney and Justin.
Submitted photo<br> Claire Sheaffer (standing in front) and her family pose for a photo. Pictured are Teresa (from left), Jason, Rachel, Emily, Erin, Grace and Luke and his wife, Alanna.
Submitted photo<br> Clayton Shearer (front left) and his family pose for a photo. Pictured are Emmett (front right); and back row: Austin (from left), Courtney and Justin.
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McALISTERVILLE -- Clayton Shearer and Claire Sheaffer are two of the incredible students at Juniata Christian School, a private school built in the rolling hills of McAlisterville.
Shearer, a fourth-grade student, and Sheaffer, an eighth-grader, both have Down Syndrome yet bring so much joy and uniqueness to the school and community.
Students, faculty and staff, administrators and parents for the school, located at 289 Leonard Hill Road in McAlisterville, agree the presence of Shearer and Sheaffer enriches their environment in countless ways.
The school will host its Fifth Annual World Down Syndrome Day 5K Run/Walk from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 22, as not only a fundraiser but as a simple way to celebrate and raise awareness of this affliction in the community.
Proceeds benefit the Juniata Christian School Special Needs Fund.
"The funds we raise are set aside for any child to have in case somebody needs resources, like specialty scissors or a device of any kind," said Courtney Shearer, who serves on the organizing committee and is also Clayton's mom.
"It's really about resources for the kids -- whatever we can do to help them. We want the school to have the tools they need to help them with their education."
People, including students, with Down Syndrome need support to live and be included in the community, like everyone else, according to the World Down Syndrome Day website. Many don't receive that support, which can be different for each person.
Families also need support, as they are often supporting their family members with Down Syndrome. Support is a key human right that helps make other rights possible.
For people with disabilities, the word "support" -- and not "care" -- is used because it is more empowering and is used in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
When Courtney and her husband, Justin, decided to send Clayton to Juniata Christian School, they knew the school didn't have many resources as the public schools. However, they knew they wanted their children to go to a Christian school regardless of resources.
Clayton's parents wanted to help with funding to provide some of those resources. So, they started the special education fund.
"The community response has been wonderful," Courtney said of the fundraising efforts. "We're getting into the season where 5Ks are popping up left and right, we love supporting other 5Ks in the area as well."
The organizing committee also sent out sponsorship letters to businesses in Mifflin, Juniata and Snyder counties.
"The community has rallied around this 5K," Courtney added. "Every year we've had over 100 participants; we would love to hit 200."
Maybe this will be the year.
"People have shown up regardless of whether it's on World Down Syndrome Day or not," Courtney said of the officially recognized day which is March 21. "We do it as close to that day as we can on a Saturday."
Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes -- or 46 in total. People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome added onto the 21st pair -- 47 in total.
March is the third month of the year, which is representative of the set with three chromosomes. The 21st day of the month represents the 21st set being the one that determines the child's condition..
This year, the school started a coffee bar which is manned by Clayton and Claire, who sell coffee to students and staff. The proceeds go right back into the special education fund.
Funding was also used to pay for a summer teacher for the two students, who also volunteer at the Bread of Life Outreach pantry and warehouse in Millerstown and Abundance Blessings Thrift Shop in Mifflintown.
They've also had the opportunity to make pizza at the Original Italian Pizza in Richfield.
"They enjoyed doing that," Courtney said. "They get out in the community and look forward to a future working."
Having these two students has also been a learning experience for the school. "They want what's best for Clayton and Claire," Courtney added.
Supporting events like the 5K is also a big part of it. Courtney explained that the event also provides an opportunity for families with a member with Down Syndrome to come together.
"One of my favorite parts is getting to meet the other families," she added. "People might have extended families with a person with Down Syndrome. Sometimes, they come from hours away. We get to meet and talk with them and build connections."
It's these occasions when the spotlight shines bright on community bonds.
"We've tried so hard to make people aware," Courtney said of the presence of Down Syndrome in the community. "We are overwhelmed with the blessings that we've had.
"Clayton's class -- the students -- wants him to be a part of anything they do," Courtney added. 'They support him. It's always just a great feeling. You don't ask, they just do it and it's a wonderful feeling."