“I was in another world — her world, and it was fantastic.”
Delcia Lopez
Staff photographer
At just 16 years old, she juggles being a cheerleader, a fashion model, a Kumori Sushi employee, an entrepreneur and an advocate for people with disabilities all while carrying a motto of “Don’t Limit Me.”
She’s Addison Bortnick, a junior at McHi, and she wants you to know that “people with Down syndrome are people first.”
Delcia Lopez, staff photographer for MyRGV, on her time spent with Addison that she is a happy, bouncy 16-year-old who genuinely loves cheer — and people.
Addison Bortnick, 16, is a McAllen High School cheerleader, influencer, entrepreneur and model, who has Down syndrome. Addison cheers during a volleyball game at the McAllen High School gymnasium Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick greets patrons at Kumori Sushi on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick gets ready to cheer at a volleyball game at the McAllen High School gymnasium Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick, 16, during cheer practice at McAllen High School Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick directs patrons to their table at Kumori Sushi on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick and the rest of her cheer squad at cheer practice at McAllen High School Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick leads a cheer during a volleyball game at the McAllen High School gymnasium Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick during cheer practice at McAllen High School Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick, left, and the cheer squad before the start of a volleyball game at McAllen High School Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Addison Bortnick signals a table for two while at work at Kumori Sushi on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])
