Chevy Chase Teen Takes to the Runway

Seventeen-year-old Scotty Lesmes of Chevy Chase dazzled the crowd this week during the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala that featured a fashion show and a performance by Sheryl Crow. 

The event—held on May 8 at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC—helped raise awareness about the condition that affects one in 691 babies as well as highlights the abilities of models like Scotty.

Scotty was joined on the runway by Olivia August, a 15-year-old from Pennsylvania. Both were escorted by Congressman Brad Schneider of Illinois, an advocate for the disabled. More than 25 children and teens with Down syndrome modeled fashions from Bloomingdale's. They, too, were escorted by Congressional leaders and celebrities, which included Supermodel Beverly Johnson, Fox News' John Roberts, and CNN's Kyra Phillips. Congressman Van Hollen was honored during the event for his support of people with disabilities.

In addition to enjoying modeling, Scotty likes basketball and is a talented musician who play the drums, sings and dances. His dream is to be a famous actor and one day walk the red carpet. He lives in Chevy Chase with his mom, dad, three sisters and dog, Boomer. He is no stranger to the catwalk and modeled in Global’s 2011 Gala.

A message throughout the evening was that Down syndrome needs more funding for research to help people with the condition reach their fullest potential. Despite being the most frequently occurring genetic condition, affecting 400,000 people, Down syndrome is the least-funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health.