ACHS alumnus chaperones for National Down Syndrome Society at NYC Buddy Walk Parade

Alvin Walker is the son of the late Flossie and William Walker. He graduated from Appomattox County High School in 1980. He presently lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his sister and her family.

Since being in Memphis, Walker has become a role model, celebrity and an inspiration to parents with children that have Down Syndrome. In the local Down Syndrome chapter, Walker, age 63, is the oldest.

With improvements in medical research, and love and support from family members, Down Syndrome individuals are living a longer, healthier and are more active.

In September 2024, Walker was selected to represent the state of Tennessee by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Buddy Walk in New York City on Times Square.

This September the NDSS celebrated 30 years, and Walker was asked to be one of three chaperones to represent the NDSS Buddy Walk in Central Park in New York City. He was even on the jumbotron at the New York Mets game.

At the Buddy Walk, Walker walked one mile with his family and received a medal.

I would like to thank everyone, his former teachers Mrs. Evelyn Ford and Mrs. Ann Robinson, the Down Syndrome Association community in Memphis, Tennessee, and especially his family and friends that have supported him.

Congratulations Alvin on a job well done!

This is also in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.