Joey Agostino of Norwalk, CT was born with Down Syndrome, but that didn't stop him from following his lifelong dream…of becoming a professional DJ! Ever since he can remember, Joey has loved music. "I love music, I love to make people happy and I love to dance. So that's why I want to be a DJ," says Joey. And after winning the Ethan Salyor Memorial Scholarship from the National Down Syndrome Society, he was finally able to make his dream come true.

Each year at the Buddy Walk® on Washington, NDSS awards a $500 scholarship to an individual with Down Syndrome who embodies the same energy as Ethan Saylor, who lived his life to the fullest and never let anything stop him from achieving his dreams. The scholarship is designed to help individuals with Down Syndrome pursue their passions, regardless of any perceived limitations. This award is given annually to those who display the drive and determination to pursue their dreams. Last year Joey was the 2016 Award Recipient and with it, Joey was finally able to take DJ Board lessons to help further his dream of becoming a DJ!

Immediately after Joey won the scholarship, his mother Laurie called Star Inc. Lighting The Way to set Joey up with a DJ mentor. Star Inc. is a not-for-profit organization serving individuals of all ages who have developmental disabilities providing support services to their families. It has created opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice, and personal growth. Star Inc. set Joey up with a mentor and audio engineer, Mark Minnock and with his help Joey landed his first ever DJing gig!

And his first gig couldn't get any bigger than "A Night To Shine," Tim Tebow's unforgettable prom night celebrating people with special needs in New Canaan, Connecticut. "It was a big thing for Tim Tebow's Night To Shine to be his first gig... it was an amazing feeling to watch him follow through on his dream... He can do anything," says Joey's mom, Laurie.

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