Meet Michael Joe Lanari. He is going to be famous one day.

Michael Joe was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth and endured open heart surgery when he was only five months old. As you might imagine, Michael Joe has taken advantage of many disability services over the years. These days, he spends a lot of time with Easter Seals Arkansas, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with special needs, as well as their families.

This year Michael Joe is giving back by participating in The Fashion Event, an annual fashion show fundraiser benefiting Easter Seals. With a mix of professional and Easter Seals models strutting the stage wearing the hottest styles from local boutiques, the show is sure to be a big hit.

We recently visited with Michael Joe to see how an up-and-coming model spends his spare time.

Little Rock Family: Okay, Michael Joe. Let’s start with the basics.

Michael Joe: I am 13 years old and one day I will be famous. I am in sixth grade at Robinson Middle School.

What is your favorite subject? Why?

I love school. Science is fun and math is cool. In science you get to do fun stuff in the labs, dissect stuff, and in math, I get to use a calculator. I like language arts too, because I get to do poster projects. Ms. Rogers is my favorite teacher, but I like all my teachers.

Who do you live with and what do you like best about them?

I live with my mom, and dad, and my sister [Rachael, 15]. My dad does fun stuff with me like camping, going out to eat (guys night out, no girls), and we fix stuff. My mom helps me with homework; we play outside, go shopping at Goodwill, and play “Sonny” [puppets]. Rachael cuddles me, talks to me, and we sing and dance all the time. She is the best sister EVER!

Do you have any hobbies? What is your favorite thing to do for fun?

I like to play the drums, sing and dance. I have some cool moves. I like to ride my bike, play basketball, and swim. [My favorite thing to do is] pretend that I am Justin Beiber, Austin Moon or James Diamond, and sing. I want to be famous one day.

Have you ever done anything like the fashion show before?

No, but I have been watching fashion shows with mom on Youtube and I can do this!

Are you nervous?

No . . . maybe a little. Famous people model and I am going to be famous so I can do it.

Do you have something specific you hope to wear in front of the audience?

Yes, something really cool. I like white jeans, and cool high tops.

What is your favorite outfit to wear at home?

I like over shirts. Like take a t-shirt then pick a shirt that looks good with that. I love leather jackets (I have three) and high tops the best. I have a pair of Sperrys that are cool too.

What do your friends and family think about the fashion show?

They are excited and will be very proud of me.

Do you think people will start coming to you for style advice after they see you on the runway?

Sure, I can help them.

What would you like to tell the world about living with Down syndrome?

I don’t know.

Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

It is a good thing.

Fran [Michael Joe’s mom], can you tell us a little bit about Michael Joe’s life with Down syndrome?

Fran: I believe that Michael Joe teaches values to each person that comes to know him. Michael Joe knows he has Downs and he knows he is different. The difference is that he knows who and what he is and he chooses to be happy with himself. And being happy with who you are makes people (peers) happy with who you are too.

Fundraising Fashion

Don’t miss Michael Joe’s modeling debut! The Fashion Event benefiting Easter Seals is at the Little Rock Marriott on Friday, May 15 from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $50 for general admission or $100 for reserved seating and can be purchased at EasterSealsAR.org.

Stephanie Bayless is an archivist, historian and author. She lives in Sherwood with her husband, Tim, 12-year-old daughter Olivia, and 5-year-old son Carder. Read more of her work at PlayfullyTacky.com.