Back to School: Elli Starts College at UCM

We checked in with Elli and her mom Sharon back in May when she had made the big decision to head off to college, a major step in anyone’s life. Elli was thrilled about beginning college at the University of Central Missouri to pursue a career in child development. Already working with kids at her church and in her community, she sees spending her life with children as the obvious choice.

Fast forward three months, and August has arrived. Summer has come and gone (although the heat has definitely remained!).  Uniforms, classes, and caffeine have returned for the  Back to School Season. We checked back in with Elli, after classes started on Tuesday, August 26 at UCM.

Sharon, Elli's proud mama explains,  

"Elli is absolutely thrilled with her new college life!  She is embracing friends, schedules, online homework, doing laundry, really everything! She has asked for help when needed and learned that she needs to not stay up late! Elli is so proud as she knows this is a real accomplishment and amazing opportunity."

Elli’s classes include Freshman seminar, literacy, technology, health & fitness, and an audited UCM class called Valuing Differences. Her classes will take place mostly in the School of Education, Lovinger Hall, and the Rec Center.  

Elli is attending UCM as part of their THRIVE program. UCM created THRIVE as a program especially for intellectually challenged young adults, who make up an integral part of the UCM community, just like “athletics or the band [does].”  Elli’s doing the whole college experience, dorm and all. All of the THRIVE students stay in the same hall of the dorm.  She will live with a second year student and share a bath with 2 other girls. We are so proud of Elli embarking on her college experience! Remember those days?

Sharon continues:

"My feelings the past week have been those of overwhelming gratitude!  I am so grateful for the many dedicated teachers, mentors, friends, family and community members that have helped Elli to be in this wonderful place. I'm grateful to the EXCEL parent group for spearheading this post-high school experience.  I'm grateful to the University of Central Missouri for embracing the challenge and those that work with THRIVE to implement the program.  I'm grateful that Elli was willing to trust me that she would be ready for college, and supported when she got there.  I'm so filled with gratitude that there isn't space to be sad.  Technology helps too!" 

The mother and daughter duo still keep in touch regularly too, so there is no time to miss each other too much. "[We] facetime and text!," Sharon shared 

Check back in with Elli and others that are part of the First Downs community right here on the blog.

Best of luck Elli!

Blue Valley Northwest Players + Coaches Share Why They Support First Downs

We asked a couple football players and coaches at Blue Valley Northwest what they think of being a part of FDFDS. Here is what they said…

We chatted with: Coach Mike Zegunis, Miles Alexander, Caleb Hughes, Zack Zegunis, and Dalton Schoen

How Did You First Learn About First Downs for Down Syndrome? 

Caleb: Through Coach Zegunis and the football team.

Coach Zegunis: As an assisstant coach at Olathe East about fifteen years ago.

What is Your Favorite Part About Supporting FDFDS?

Caleb: Knowing that its going to such a great cause.

Miles: Helping out those who are affected by Down Syndrome

Coach Zegunis: I can show my players that being a leader is about serving and helping out others and FDFDS is an easy example of how to help others out.

Other than the CHIEFS, who is the team you’ll be watching this season?

Caleb: The Jayhawks and the Seahawks

Why Should Other Schools/Football Teams Participate in the High School Fundraising Program?

Miles: It’s a good cause, and it isn’t hard to participate in.

Coach Zegunis: It not only is a great way to help others out – but you can also help yourself (your team) out by raising money for your program.

What Makes You a Proud Coach/Player?

Coach Zegunis: Knowing that my players are learning life-long lessons and creating memories and habits that will last forever.  

As Practice Starts Up Again, Give Us A ‘PRO’ Tip to Help with Fitness, Health or Game Strategy/Planning:

Caleb: Listen to your body.

Miles: Strategy and Planning. Staying Hydrated. 

Zach: The more prepared you are, the less worried you’ll be.

Why You Are Passionate About Helping Those With Down Syndrome? 

Zach: I love seeing the smiling and happy faces of the people who I come in contact with who have down syndrome, and I love thinking and feeling that I am helping out. 

Coach Zegunis : I love the fact that we can help out financially families and individuals that are affected by Down Syndrome.  I am also glad to bring awareness and recognition to these individuals.  

Final Thoughts:

Go Huskies!

A Little Bit About Down Syndrome

Why We Do What We Do.

In 1992 Gene Stallings, best known for his coaching and assistant coaching career with Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys, had a baby with Down’s. He felt inspired to partner and help local families struggling with some of the obstacles that came along with Down Syndrome and to celebrate their special miracles as well.

When Is Money Raised?

For the last 18 years FDFDS has carried out this message and raised money for local families affected by Downs Syndrome along with Children’s Mercy Hospital through a handful of big events every year. We are proud to host the Annual Wine Auction,

Upcoming Events

Sept. 15: Golf Tournament and Huddle Time. Two big events taking place all in one jam packed and fun filled day this year at Shadow Glen Golf Club

Oct. 19: Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk 

Our Biggest Event of the Year will take place at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, October 19.  Get your team together. Register here (www.stepupfordownsyndromekc.org ) and walk around the stadium to support First Downs!

Dec. 12: Holiday Concert Series Chris Mann from NBC's The Voice and Oleta Adams, Kansas City native, pair with the Kansas City Symphony for a soulful and uplifting evening of wonderful music.

A couple throwback pictures of BVNW working with FDFDS :) We love our players and coaches there! Thank you for the support!