Local Teen Featured In Times Square Display

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Katherine Waters will have her picture shown in the Big Apple this weekend, as she is featured in the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual presentation, which will be shown in Times Square on Saturday, September 6.

Waters, 16-year-old daughter of Pastor Brad and Cheryl Waters, was born with Down Syndrome, but has never let her diagnosis define her. She is highly active in her community and with extracurricular activities, as she is a Vidalia Heritage Academy Varsity Cheerleader and even served as a page for State Senator Blake Tillery this past summer.

“As parents, we have always tried to stress that Kat is more alike than different. Kat desires to do the same things as her peers, be included for who she is and have friends,” her mom Cheryl emphasized. “Our hope and prayer is that people see past her extra 21st chromosome and see Kat, a typical 16-year-old girl that loves skincare routines, trying new makeup from Ulta, Starbucks refreshers, making Instagram reels and cheering her team to victory!”

Waters was one of 500 individuals selected to have their photo shown in Times Square during the hourlong presentation –- a true feat when over 2,600 individuals submitted pictures for the opportunity. The presentation will be shown during the National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk –- an awareness and acceptance campaign which celebrates individuals with Down Syndrome and unites the community –- in New York City.

Though the Waters family chose not to travel to the Big Apple to see the display in person because of Kat’s obligations with the Vidalia Heritage Academy Cheerleading Squad, the family will be livestreaming the event during Kat’s 16th Birthday Party on Saturday.

“I feel like awareness campaigns like the Times Square video presentation show the world that individuals with Down syndrome have value and their lives are worth living. They are unique individuals with personalities, gifts and talents and they should be embraced for the incredible way that God made them,” Cheryl remarked. “We are so proud of Kat and all that she is accomplishing and overcoming. In addition to Down syndrome, she battles selective mutism, which is a social anxiety disorder. The fact that she is participating in so many social activities is huge. She has come so far and we are very grateful!”

When asked about how she felt about the honor, Kat commented, “I’m so excited –- I’m famous!”

The New York City Buddy Walk and the presentation will be livestreamed through the National Down Syndrome Society’s Facebook page from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.