A local family to be recognized at NYC’s Times Square

JACKSON, Tenn.— One local family is making a difference with family photography. Meet 6 year old Ryder and 3 year old River.

Both brothers were diagnosed with down syndrome, and now they have the opportunity to be represented at Times Square in New York.
It all started the day Ryder and River’s mom, Octavia Nettles, started taking portraits of their little sister leading both parents creating a seasonal trend of photography with their children.

At the time their mother Octavia was a part of the Down Syndrome Community in Georgia. Due to their involvement with the program they entered a photo contest. The Nettle’s soon received an email saying they were one of the 500 winners that would be a part of a presentation at Times square in New York for the National Down Syndrome Association on September 6, 2025.

“We had a photo shoot. I’m usually the one taking pictures. He’s usually the one behind us trying to make sure they’re smiling. I entered us unto the photo contest and they gave us an email saying we were on of the 500 winners and it was very exciting,” said Octavia Nettle, Ryder and River’s mother.

Mrs. Nettle hopes this sends a clear message that regardless of any disability you can make a difference.

Mr. nettles tells us out of all five of their children their partnership has been the key to success.

It can consist of a lot of focus and a lot of teamwork. It’s takes two to be able to make a family work. Some days that I’m tired she may do a little bit more, and some days that she’s tired I may do a little bit more. But, just doing whatever it takes to get the job done,” said Jerome Nettle, Ryder and River’s father.

If your looking forward to seeing Ryder and River showcased on Times Square, visit the ‘National Down Syndrome Society‘ facebook page or visit their website at ndss.org to see the livestream.

The viewing time for the video presentation is set for 9:30 am, and the picture presentation will begin at 10:10 am on September 6, 2025.