Local teen to star in national video on Down syndrome

Ambler, Pa. (WTXF) - It's quite a honor for a local teen. His picture was selected to be in a national video highlighting the achievements of children, teens and adults with Down syndrome.

FOX 29's Dawn Timmeney has the story.

15-year-old Jeffrey Perlmutter is learning his way around Wissahickon High with the help of his aid Andy Noga.

"It's very exciting and it's my first year as a freshman," he told FOX 29.

But even more exciting is that the National Down Syndrome Society chose Jeff's picture to be featured among several hundred others as part of its annual Times Square video presentation.

'It's a big honor for me," he said.

The collective images remind the world about the contributions and milestones of people of all ages with Down syndrome. His mom entered a photo from Jeff's bar mitzvah.

"They saw his picture--he's happy--had a huge accomplishment in his life that's represented in the photo. I was really proud of him," his mom said.

Jeff's parents surprised him at school Wednesday as we showed up to talk to him about being in a video that thousands of people will see.

History teacher Pete Shoemaker who taught Jeff last yea says he's the perfect candidate for the video.

"I think he's a great example of inclusion in the classroom and how every student can benefit from students at very different levels."

Jeff's parents say their boy is just like any other kid with hopes and dreams and that's what this is all about. Jeff is also a big sports fan.