Mayfield Independent Schools participated this year, and the cheerleaders, led by Abby Bryant, decided to do something special for the event coordinator, Kara Dowdy. The Junior English teacher and cheer coach at Mayfield High School, Dowdy is also the parent of an autistic child.
When one of Dowdy’s twin sons, Colson, was recently diagnosed with autism just shy of his second birthday, she recalled being quite upset and confused. However, with the help of local agencies, medical professionals, a few outstanding Mayfield educators, and the Autism Speaks charity, her family became educated and prepared.
“We now know autism is a gift, and it’s up to us to use it as God intended,” Dowdy recounted. Dowdy then rallied all Mayfield Cardinals to “Light It Up Blue” in honor of all autistic families, especially the autistic children within the community.
As a result of Dowdy’s “Light It Up Blue” initiative, the cheerleaders decided to surprise her with a shirt of her own in honor of one of her twins, and they also purchased shirts for themselves to wear every Tuesday during April, which is Autism Awareness month.
