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SALT LAKE CITY — October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and 17-year-old Lone Peak High School student Trey Holmes wants to bring awareness in a big way: by starring in his own music video.
Trey has Down syndrome and has made it a goal to celebrate the abilities and joys that come with having Down syndrome. In the music video, Holmes sings "Hall of Fame" by the Script and teams up with BYU's Cosmo and several other individuals with Down syndrome. The video shows the various things that individuals with Down syndrome can do — like have a job, serve others, and participate in athletics.
Throughout the video, signs are held up that say things like, "I am more than Down syndrome," "I can do more than you think," and "I can work; I can serve; I can contribute." Holmes' parents hold up a sign that says, "They have hopes, dreams and goals just like you."
According to Trey's sister, Alecia Holmes, making this video has been a dream come true for her younger brother "Making a music video has been Trey's goal for years now," Alecia said. "It was important for Trey to do this so that he could realize that dreams are achievable and he can do hard things. We hope this video shows new parents of babies with Down syndrome the incredible potential that comes with a Down syndrome diagnosis."
The video premiered on Oct. 14 at the Water Gardens drive-in movie theater in Pleasant Grove with the help of a Kickstarter campaign called "Project Trey;" the Kickstarter raised over $6,000.
"I loved working behind the scenes and I hope this video helps people," Trey said. "I like to share stories about me to help people understand that we are more alike than different."
When asked what his goals are for the future, Trey said he has many.
"I want to be like my dad," he said. "I want to work in an office. I also really want to be a broadcast writer and write the news."
Trey and his sister said that they are grateful for all the support so far.
"The response to the video has been incredible!" Alecia said "We have been so grateful to everyone who has supported Trey. This all started in June when we ran our Kickstarter campaign, and we were shocked to see how many people donated to our campaign. Now that the video is out, the community has really rallied behind Trey. It has made him so happy, and that has been a joy to watch."
