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
More Stories
A recent Monroe-Woodbury High School graduate had a larger-than-life moment in Times Square this weekend.
Bryan Walter Payne, who has Down syndrome, was featured on two giant screens in the heart of Times Square on Saturday as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square Video Presentation.
Payne’s senior class photo was selected from more than 2,700 submissions from across the country.
The presentation featured photos of more than 500 children, teens and adults with Down syndrome, celebrating their lives and accomplishments.
Payne graduated from Monroe-Woodbury High School at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
His family captured video of the moment his photo appeared above Times Square and said the recognition made an already memorable graduation year even more special.
The annual video presentation was held ahead of the New York City Buddy Walk, an event aimed at promoting acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
