Level 1 nursing students from Northwestern State University participated in Shreveport’s annual Up with Downs Buddy Walk, raising $500 for local and national efforts to promote Down Syndrome Awareness month. Up with Downs is a non-profit support group for families and individuals with Down Syndrome.

“Our students had the opportunity to allocate service learning hours and volunteer for the annual Buddy Walk on October 8,” said Jolene Mateo, a nursing major from Shreveport. “My favorite part of the event was the interaction with such bright, happy, loving souls. I was carrying kids up ladders, sending them down slides and jumping hand-in-hand in bounce houses. It was a blast.”

Jennifer Goff, president of Up with Downs, presented a recognition medal to the group. The students found the experience rewarding.

“It was required this year, but next year I hope to be more involved without requirement and hope to raise more for such a wonderful organization,” said Alexis Leslie of Shreveport.

“The event was truly a wonderful highlight for a worthy cause,” said Wesley Caston of Mansfield.

“The smiles on so many wonderful children’s faces is something I will cherish and look back on fondly,” said Tricia Malone of Princeton. “I’m looking forward to many more years of ear-to-ear grins.”