#missing voices

[sketchbooklife]

Missing voices.

[missingdisabledvoices-blog]

This week on May 13th, 2015, Buzzfeed writer, Stephanie McNeal posted a very special prom article that warmed the hearts of thousands of Buzzfeed readers. This prom article was not one of the “Top 31 Worst Prom Dresses” or “Ranking the Avengers as Potential Prom Dates” (It’s real, look it up). McNeal’s article was titled, “A High School Quarterback Took His Friend With Down Syndrome To Prom After They Made A Fourth-Grade Pact”, long title, but touching article none the less. McNeal tells the story of two friends, Ben Moser, and Mary Lapkowicz who made a pact in fourth grade. The not so twist, Mary was born with Down Syndrome. While prom stories similar to this are making news all over the country as prom season breaks all around us, this one felt unique. In my opinion plenty of these stories where a high school quarterback brings a girl with down syndrome to prom seem like desperate grabs for the nations attention. This story doesn’t. Ben clearly has a special bond with Mary, it’s not some grab for attention, it’s a friend keeping a promise, and that is truly refreshing to see. 

You can read McNeal’s article here:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniemcneal/a-high-school-quarterback-took-his-friend-with-down-syndrome#.hbmaY2JqZ

(Photo credit: It was credited to facebook in the original article)