08/17/2025
SOUTHERN MARYLAND RESIDENT’S TO BE FEATURED IN TIMES SQUARE
Ellie Griffin, Josiah Gross, Harrison Bonovitch, Norah Smith and Arthur Schaefer To Represent the Down Syndrome Community in Unique Annual National Down Syndrome Society Video Presentation
NEW YORK, New York (August 14, 2025) - Ellie Griffin, Josiah Gross, Harrison Bonovitch, Norah Smith and Arthur Schaefer of Southern Maryland, will appear in the bright lights of Times Square on Saturday, September 6, as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video Presentation. The one-hour video of 500+ photographs includes children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 11 countries. These collective images highlight individuals with Down syndrome in the most visible way – on two screens in the heart of Times Square.
The photos of Ellie, Josiah, Harrison, Norah and Arthur were selected from more than 2,600 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Their photos will be shown on two Jumbotron screens thanks to the support of ClearChannel Outdoor. The two screens are above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. The presentation will be livestreamed on the NDSS page from 9:30-10:30am ET on September 6.
Ellie is pictured living her best Swiftie life showing off her love for Taylor Swift. Josiah is pictured with a big grin while taking a break at a picturesque fence. Harrison is showing off his silly side with a big handsome smile. Norah looks like a professional model in her couture gown with wings. Arthur is smiling and relaxing at a historic property. All five photos were taken by 21FIVEPhotography, Teresa Tucker, a local SOMD photography who has her own personal ties to the Down syndrome and special needs community.
The Times Square Video Presentation kicks off the New York City Buddy Walk® which takes place at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. This flagship Buddy Walk® has taken place in New York City since 1995 as part of the National Buddy Walk® Program. Over 150 Buddy Walk® events are held in communities across the country and select international locations. For more information about the New York City Buddy Walk® on September 6 or the National Buddy Walk® Program please visit www.ndss.org.
About NDSS
Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk® Program in 1995 and hosts community engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy Walk® and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. Visit www.ndss.org to learn more.
About the National Buddy Walk® Program
Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk® Program has been the premier Down syndrome awareness, advocacy, and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national initiatives to support the Down syndrome community. Today, roughly 150 Buddy Walk® events take place in cities across the country and in select international locations. To learn more and find a Buddy Walk® near you, visit https://ndss.org/national-buddy-walk-program.
