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Grads Jake and Sam celebrated at Oakville Trafalgar by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, April 28, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Jake Hardy and Sam Bandiera emerged from a high-five tunnel created by their school peers, beaming from ear to ear. Their cheers and laughter echoed through Oakville Trafalgar High School's (OTHS) atrium as students gathered there Thursday to support the school's Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Jake and Sam both have Down syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by the presence of extra genetic material, which causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically. This year marks the last year they'll be at the school before they graduate. Hannah Wasslen, a member of Lunch Buddies who helped organize the event, told the Oakville Beaver Jake and Sam have been the heart of the school for a number of years. "They will walk down the halls and they will always be saying `Hi' to people and we'll be saying `Hi' back. Even if you don't know Sam and Jake, they'll strike up a conversation." She and fellow Lunch Buddies member Lauren Caspersz, said last week's special day was not only about raising awareness about what Down syndrome is, but to celebrate Sam and Jake and show them how much they are appreciated at the school. Lunch Buddies was created six years ago by Karen Eschlboeck. "Lunch Buddies makes sure someone always has a place to sit and someone to be with during lunchtime and to make everyone feel included," said Wasslen. The Lunch Buddies created a Facebook page to spread the word about Down Syndrome Awareness Day and encouraged OTHS students to wear blue and yellow. They also created blue-and-yellow pins, brochures, homemade cookies and urged students to share their favourite memory of Sam and Jake and what Down syndrome means to them in a video they SATURDAY, APRIL 30 12:00PM TO 5:00PM Oakville Trafalgar High School held a Down Syndrome Awareness Day with students encouraged to wear blue and yellow. Students Sam Bandiera and Jake Hardy, who have Down syndrome and are graduating this spring, were celebrated. Pictured with Lunch Buddy friends, from left, are: Hannah Wasslen, Jake, Sam, Lauren Caspersz and Taylour Hurd. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) were creating to capture the day's festivities. The Lunch Buddies group hopes to submit the video in a Halton Down Syndrome Association (HDSA) contest where a top prize of $3,000 will be awarded to a school that spreads awareness about Down syndrome and helps educate and shape young minds. "We think bringing awareness to Down syndrome and what it is will help further integrate Sam and Jake into the school community," said Wasslen. "Sometimes, people have a hard time communicating with Sam and Jake because they don't know how, but then this is to bring awareness that Sam and Jake can communicate -- they are both very social," she said. "It's not so much a disability as it is a difference in ability. They're still great friends to have." Co-op teacher Kathryn Stearns-Brown said Sam and Jake have made a profound impact on the school community, helping build acceptance, tolerance and inclusiveness. She admitted she had reservations when she first met with their parents about helping them participate in co-op placements. However, both Sam and Jake proved -- through various placements at Longo's, Tim Hortons and the municipal gardens -- how capable they are. "They have totally changed my mind about how well adults with special needs can work in our community," said Stearns-Brown, noting how well the students were at their community placements. Educational assistant Roman Goforth, who came up with the idea for the Down Syndrome Awareness Day at OTHS, said the event was a great opportunity to showcase the high school's inclusivity. "There's a real sense of community and acceptance," he said. Sam and Jake, Goforth said, have been trailblazers and have helped foster the welcoming school environment by helping change people's perceptions and minds about individuals with different abilities. "When I see them having no reservations, no qualms, no hindrances to being who they are, breaking out into a dance, going up and talking to whoever they want to, being personable and just being friendly -- it makes me smile. Their smiles make me smile," he said. Goforth said while high school can be an emotional roller coaster for students, the day aimed to showcase there is always going to be a community, a group of people, a person, or a place where students can feel they can be who they are without any prejudice, judgement or discrimination. "They may not find it everywhere they go, but there will be those moments where they can find that," he said. INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM SHOW YOURSELF A LITTLE LOVE WITH A BEAUTIFUL MAKEOVER, SKIN CONSULTATION, LASH EXTENSIONS, AND BROW LESSONS. $5 WILL GO TO THE CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. Feel great while getting gorgeous. 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