Monroe-Woodbury graduate with Down syndrome featured in Times Square
Bryan Walter Payne was among more than 500 people featured in a National Down Syndrome Society video presentation.
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A Monroe-Woodbury High School graduate was celebrated in Times Square this weekend.
Bryan Payne, 21, who has Down syndrome, watched with his family on Saturday as his senior photo lit up a Jumbotron in Manhattan.
His photo was one of 500 selected from nearly 3,000 entries for the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square Video Presentation, which celebrates people with Down syndrome and raises awareness.
Bryan’s mom, Ivy Payne, says she submitted his senior photo and then forgot about it until she received an email in July telling her he had been chosen.
“When Bryan was born, the doctors told us everything he couldn’t or wouldn’t do rather than all the amazing things that he has done in his 21 years, and this is one of the most amazing,” Payne said.
The Payne family has been involved with the National Down Syndrome Society since Bryan was born. Ivy says the organization has provided their family with support and services throughout his life.
She says seeing her son’s photo displayed in Times Square was overwhelming.
“I honestly was in awe,” Payne said. “All of the people surrounding us. Everyone was so kind and nice. Everybody was there for the same goal: To raise awareness. To show that our children are just like everyone else’s children, and they deserve to be celebrated.”
Bryan graduated from Monroe-Woodbury High School at the end of the 2025-26 school year. His family is now working to find a day program for him.
The Times Square presentation was held in conjunction with the New York City Buddy Walk, which promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
