Believe it or not, socks get people talking!
By Diana Walker
Anyone who hung around Fred and me last year knew we often wore matching pressure stockings! Not the mundane colours. Some boasted bright colours in stripes, plaids or spots; others featured butterflies, penguins or foxes.
What a heartwarming interview I had on Wednesday. I followed up on a suggestion by an Echo reader to interview TeeJay Hogan, a grade 8 student at South Central High. I quickly learned that Fred and I were not the only ones fascinated by unusual socks.
Hockey Rivals: Ann is a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and Teejay is an Oilers fan - but they get along great!
About two weeks ago, TeeJay, with the help of his Education Assistant Ann O'Connor, began a fundraiser called "Rock Your Socks."
"Our goal was to raise $150," said Ann. "We did not expect to surpass that, but we did after the first week. Now, we hope to beat our new goal of $250. We are so close. Teejay and I make an amazing sales team ... he is a wonderful boss."
Every year on March 21, people around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly coloured, mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have three copies of their 21st chromosome. Why socks? The karyotype of Ds chromosomes looks like mismatched socks!
Teejay was a bit apprehensive about my visit. He organized his workspace and his store. All was tidy. Not knowing when I would arrive, he and Miss Ann continued their studies. Teejay was about to write a spelling test when I arrived. The test would wait.
At first, he was shy about answering my questions but 'warmed up' after talking about his favourite hockey player, Connor McDavid, and showing me his display on the wall that included a picture of a large trex he named Johnny.
With all profits going to South Central High, Teejay has plans to spend the money. Ann says Teejay always puts others first, so it's no surprise he would like to help with the school's breakfast program and buy a few basketballs before putting some of the profits toward his program: to purchase some reading and math books or more Lego.
"I like building trucks and buildings," says Teejay. Ann adds he doesn't just build buildings; they are usually complete with dedicated rooms before adding a roof.
"Teejay's positive and infectious personality is what every town needs," adds Ann. "SCHS is lucky to have him, and I am thrilled to work with Teejay every day."
At the time of our interview, he was $5 shy of the $250 goal. In the photo, a piece of paper is added to the thermometer. Who knows what he will raise by March 21?
Mia, Teejay's younger sister, says, "I'm happy the Oyen schools celebrate crazy sock day and celebrate Teejay and all others with Down Syndrome."
Prospective buyers are welcome to drop by Teejay's store (set up in his study room) during school hours, where the socks fill a table. You can choose mismatched or the craziest and most colourful socks, whatever fits your fancy!
The idea is to start a conversation so that when people ask about your socks, you can tell them, "I'm wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome."
A note from Teejay's mom, Lacey: I am so happy to be able to raise both my kids in a small community. I worry less about Teejay growing up here. If he is up town without my knowledge, someone will phone me to make sure he should be there. The community looks out for him, which is a blessing. It is so special that the schools celebrate this day to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. Teejay is one of the kindest, sweetest souls you will meet. He loves everyone and is always there to open a door or help you in some way. Mia and I are blessed to have Teejay in our family and can't imagine life without him. Please "rock our socks" with us this March 21 and raise awareness.