'Your Next Star' helps people with Down syndrome get valuable work experience

John has Down syndrome and with the help of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, he secured that job right out of high school after an internship with them. He does everything from administrative work to community events and even giving the best pep talks to the Bruins alumni team.

John Dunleavy has worked for TD Garden and the Boston Bruins Foundation for the last decade.

"It's been 10 years. The best 10 years of my life to work here," he told WBZ-TV.

John has Down syndrome and with the help of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, he secured that job right out of high school after an internship with them. He does everything from administrative work to community events and even giving the best pep talks to the Bruins alumni team.

"It means a lot to me because I love to give back to the community," Dunleavy said.

He met former Bruin Bob Sweeney, the president of the Bruins Foundation, through the Congress and the Bruins alumni games a decade ago.

"It was the best thing in my life. He inspired me to come work here," Dunleavy told WBZ. They've formed an unbreakable bond ever since.

"The one thing that resonates with me is he always has a smile on his face. Always has a smile on his face and that's amazing and I think he lights up a room every time he comes in," Sweeney said.