Alpena County proclaims October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Couture and McClintic receive recognition for advocacy and inspiration

ALPENA -- Alpena County Commissioners presented proclamations to two Alpena community members who have made a significant impact in Down syndrome advocacy and inspiring inclusion in the community as part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Maddox McClintic, an Alpena High School student, and Sadie Couture, a Pied Piper student, received these special recognitions after the Alpena County Board of Commissioners gave a proclamation on Tuesday, marking October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Alpena County. Both McClintic and Couture have Down syndrome and have served their community in ways to further inclusion and public awareness.

Tuesday's proclamation from the Alpena County Board of Commissioners recognized Down syndrome (trisomy 21) as "the most common chromosomal condition, occurring in approximately 1 in every 700 births in the United States, across all races, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds."

According to the proclamation, the awareness campaign has existed since the 1980s and aims to recognize the achievements of individuals with Down syndrome and recognizes work being done to enhance inclusion and accessibility in our communities.

The proclamation stated that "individuals with Down syndrome possess a wide range of unique abilities, talents, and strengths, and they actively enrich our local schools, workplaces, and community organizations."

"Alpena County is firmly committed to promoting principles of inclusion, accessibility, and dignity, ensuring all residents have the necessary support systems to fulfill their potential and achieve their individual goals," the proclamation added.

Chairman John Kozlowski read a proclamation in the Wildcat Den on Tuesday before presenting McClintic with the county's recognition for her "outstanding advocacy and inspirational spirit, dedication, and efforts to raise awareness of Down syndrome."

Alpena County Commissioner Travis Konarzewski and County Administrator Jesse Osmer attended the event, as well.

The proclamation recognized the benefits residents with Down syndrome bring to the community, "through their unique strengths, vibrant personalities, meaningful participation in our schools, social circles, and daily lives."

Kozlowski further read that McClintic has appeared in documentaries and a book about Down syndrome and has participated in various sports and extracurriculars at AHS. She was also previously featured in the New York City Times Square campaign to kick off Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

"Maddox’s glorious spirit and dedication to spreading public awareness have broken down various challenging misconceptions and served as a powerful reminder of the beauty, value, and unlimited capability inherent in every individual," Kozlowski read further. "Maddox exemplifies excellence both in and out of the classroom, maintaining an outstanding 3.8 grade point average, having served as a sophomore female representative at Winterfest, competing as a member of the varsity swim team, proudly performing the National Anthem during the basketball season."

On Thursday, Kozlowski, Alpena County Administrator Jesse Osmer, and County Commissioners Dan Ludlow and Todd Britton attended the presentation of an award for Couture at Pied Piper. Couture recently traveled to New York City with her family and was featured in the New York City Times Square campaign to kick off Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Kozlowski read from an Alpena County proclamation recognizing Couture as a "local advocate" for Down syndrome and "has served as a powerful and shining example in resilience, strength, and joy, inspiring residents both locally and nationally."

The proclamation noted Courture's education at AHS and her participation in choir and cheer and dancing at 4-D 2nd St. dance studio in Alpena.

"Through her advocacy, alongside the dedication of her family and support networks, Sadie has continuously fostered a deeper understanding of Down syndrome and inclusion," Kozlowski read further.

The proclamation noted Couture's "warrior spirit" and her dedication to "spreading public awareness" and has served "as a powerful reminder of beauty, value, and the unlimited capability inherent in every individual."

"The Board of County Commissioners desires to officially recognize Sadie Couture's exceptional contributions to our community and express our profound appreciation for her advocacy."

The National Down Syndrome Society lists ways community members can participate in the awareness campaign all month at ndss.org/down-syndrome-awareness-month.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.