With lights blinding and cameras rolling, junior Anna Norris took the stage recently to publicize the upcoming Buddy Walk, an event regionally organized by the Down Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley. The Buddy Walk is an annual event that raises money for the National Down Syndrome Society, which educates about and assists those with Down Syndrome.

For Norris, however, this walk is so much more.

“It’s important because people can see how important people with Down Syndrome are, and how they can support people with Down Syndrome,” she said.

Norris appeared on College Station’s KBTX channel to announce the 12th annual Buddy Walk, an experience she says was one to remember.

“I was a little nervous at first,” she said of her TV appearance. “But then I realized I can get over my nerves and just work through it.”

On Sunday, Oct. 11, Norris will join the crowd at College Station to march in the Buddy Walk. The one-mile walk will have food and live entertainment, including performances from Norris’ own dance team.

Ultimately, Norris hopes that the Buddy Walk will raise awareness about Down Syndrome, and decrease any stigma associated with it.

“All the world can come and support people with Down Syndrome,” she said.

The Buddy Walk will be held at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater in College Station on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M.