Clad in a red and black uniform, freshman Ruby Plachta steps onto the field, poms in hand and a shining smile on her face. Plachta joined the JV Bowie Cheer team this year, and she strives to bring an energetic and unique touch to the program. Plachta was born with Down Syndrome, a genetic condition resulting from an extra copy of chromosome 21, but having Down Syndrome doesn’t stop her from achieving her goals.

“I always say that Ruby came early, tiny, and rockin’ an extra chromosome,” Ruby’s mother Liz Plachta, said. “We didn’t know Ruby had Down syndrome until she was born. I didn’t know anything about Down Syndrome or even anyone who had Down Syndrome growing up, which makes me incredibly sad now because I missed out on so many years of not having that magical extra chromosome in my life.”

Even though Liz was not expecting her daughter to be born with Down Syndrome, she didn’t skip a beat and immediately started to figure out the best ways to support her.

“The minute I held her, nothing else mattered,” Liz said. “When we got home from the NICU, I went to the library and basically checked out every book about Down Syndrome I could find, but nothing depicted this perfect little human lying next to me, who I kind of already knew was going to be a little world changer. So, I just shut all the books and decided to let her lead me, guide me, and show me the way.”

According to Ruby, as she adjusts to the demands of high school, she is also finding ways to balance academics with her extracurricular commitments. From cheer practice to exploring her passion for cooking, her schedule reflects both her interests and her goals for the future.

“Being in high school is still new to me,” Ruby said. “I like all the cool classes. I want to become a chef when I grow up, and at Bowie, there is a culinary course that is teaching me so many new things. School is fun, but it can also be challenging.”

Along with her academic courses, Ruby has shown strong enthusiasm for being part of the cheer program. Coaches and teammates note that she brings consistent energy to practices, approaching new routines with focus and excitement. Her commitment to learning skills and contributing to the team helps her stand out as a valued member of the squad.

“She just brings so much optimism,” junior Reagan Pfeffer said. “She is always really happy in practice. Ruby is also always ready to make someone smile and light up their day.”

Outside of school, Ruby is connected to Ruby’s Rainbow, a non-profit founded by her family. The charity awards higher-education scholarships to students with Down Syndrome. The people who receive this money are called Rockin’ Recipients by the organization. This money helps them pursue post-secondary programs and establish more independence.

“There are over 350 college campuses that have programs for people with Intellectual disabilities, so we have Rockin’ Recipients from coast to coast,” Liz said. “Ruby has decided that she wants to attend the ClemsonLIFE program so she can live independently and become a chef one day.”

According to A&E News, students with disabilities have the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure they have the best college experience. This 1990 law requires colleges to provide accommodations to students who request them.

“There are so many programs out there that can help people with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) learn, grow, and thrive after high school,” Liz said. “It has been incredible to see what our Rockin’ Recipients are able to accomplish when given the opportunity to spread their wings and fly.”

According to the Ruby’s Rainbow website, the foundation has awarded 883 scholarships and distributed over $3.2 million in scholarship funds to applicants all across the country. By investing in education, the foundation helps open new doors that might otherwise remain closed, creating opportunities for recipients to pursue their goals with greater confidence and support.

“Ruby’s Rainbow is about helping people who have an extra chromosome like me,” Ruby said. “I give out scholarships that make it easier for them to go to the college they want. My favorite thing about being a part of Ruby’s Rainbow is giving out the scholarships because it always makes me smile and laugh.”

Besides financial support, the organization is active in raising awareness about the abilities and potential of people with Down syndrome. One way the charity raises awareness is by hosting events. According to the website, the events are aimed at bringing the community together. They currently have three different events: the Rockin’ RainBOWL, Maudie’s Cup, and The Lucky Mamas Retreat. The Rockin’ RainBOWL is a family bowling tournament that offers live music, raffle prizes, and refreshments. Maudie’s Cup is an annual golf tournament that raises money for the organization. The Lucky Mamas Retreat is a trip for the mothers of kids with Down syndrome, and it is held each year in October.

“I had the opportunity to go to the Rockin’ RainBOWL,” Pfeffer said. “It was at Westgate Lanes, and I had a lot of fun. Everything was set up so nicely, and all the lanes were filled with people who were there for the event. They had tables full of really cool raffle items, and I even won a Kendra Scott necklace. Ruby gave me some bowling tips, and it actually helped me a lot.”

Ruby had a unique opportunity to share her charity with the world. She was featured on the Kelly Clarkson show with her mom, and they spoke about Ruby’s Rainbow, and Ruby shared her hopes for the future. Not only was she on the show, but she also sang with Kelly Clarkson at one of her shows.

“Ruby is so brave,” Liz said. “I mean, she got up on stage and sang with Kelly Clarkson at a sold-out show. Who does that? She is also the hardest-working human I know. She has to work 10 times harder for things that might come more naturally to most people, and she always does it with grit and grace.”

According to Ruby, she won’t stop fighting hard to reach her goals no matter what the future holds, and she plans to do it all with a smile on her face.

“I just think Ruby is a great person,” Pfeffer said. “I think everyone should try to be a little more like Ruby.”

This story was originally published on The Dispatch on October 20, 2025.