John Cronin is on a mission to spread happiness and he did just that in his visit to Washington Drive Primary School in Centerport, New York. John brought pure joy when he visited the students in Ms. Kelly Lewis’s special education classroom. John told his story, danced and shared hugs with the students.
“I love meeting with young students because I remember when I was their age,” said John. “We had so much fun in Ms. Kelly’s classroom.”
The students had prepared for the visit by learning about John’s business and watching many of John’s videos. They loved the dance videos and could not wait until they could dance with John. The students all wore socks from John’s Crazy Socks and many wore his Down Syndrome Superhero Socks in anticipation of World Down Syndrome Day, March 21.
“We were all so excited by John’s visit,” said Principal Kathy McNally. She filmed the visit so she could share it with the rest of the school.
One student used a voice adaptor to help him speak. John told the student that he too used a voice adaptor when he was young and he learned sign language too because he had trouble speaking. “Now, I speak before thousands of people and you can do this some day too.” John spoke of how his speech teacher, Ms. Patricia Klee, had worked with him to help him learn how to speak in front of an audience.
John told the students that he started his own business when he could not find a good job. He told them that some day they could start their own business or get a good job. The students introduced themselves to John one at a time and then they cleared some space for dancing. The students had some great dance moves they showed John.
Mark X. Cronin, John’s co-founder and Dad said, “We speak to students at colleges and universities and as well as high school and that is important work. But John loves spending time with younger students. It is just fun for him.”
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. They do this by offering socks people can love that allows an expression of one’s true self. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $475,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
