Zoey Beck, a junior at PennWest Clarion, is advocating for Down Syndrome awareness and inclusion through events like a World Down Syndrome Day run/walk, which she organized on March 21. Inspired by her mother’s work as a teacher and long-standing connections with families in the Down Syndrome community, Beck has been celebrating WDSD since middle school. Her efforts have brought together student-athletes, university leaders, and community members to show support, including PennWest President Jon Anderson, whose son has Down Syndrome. Beck’s passion stems from her belief that individuals with Down Syndrome bring joy and deserve recognition, inclusion, and celebration. Through her advocacy, she hopes to instill values of kindness and acceptance, emphasizing that raising awareness is about fostering a more inclusive world every day.
To read this complete article, visit it on our website or pick up a copy of The Derrick or The News-Herald for March 31, 2025.
