High schools across the country celebrate homecoming every fall. It is filled with football and dancing. Along with those traditions comes the crowing of homecoming queen and king. This year, in schools throughout the United States, students are electing their previously overlooked classmates, teens with special needs. The movement is a celebration of diversity and of the strength and resilience of these individuals. And it is making parents of all students extremely proud.
In Texas, Gracie Kiltz who suffered brain damage during chemotherapy to treat leukemia when she was just two years old, was nominated homecoming queen to the delight of her family. Her king was Jared Friemel, a fellow student with Down syndrome.
In Kansas, Owen Phariss, who has Down syndrome, was named king. In South Dakota, Betsy Daniel who has Down syndrome was nominated queen. In Albuquerque, it was James Keefner’s turn. He also has Down syndrome.
In New Mexico, special needs student Abe Assad was crowned homecoming king in front of a packed crowd. His family says it has already helped him to become not only more social, but also more confident.
Students today are being accepted by their classmates thanks in part to inclusive programs in schools and recreation activities. They are joining their peers in the regular education classes for the better part of the school day and playing alongside them on athletic fields. The exposure of special needs children to children without disabilities has led to an increase in acceptance, friendship and understanding that parents of special needs children never thought would be possible.
As a parent of a child with a chronic health condition, this new trend gives me hope and confidence that Maggie’s differences will be accepted by her peers. As she grows and begins school, she will be taught compassion and acceptance just as I hope other parents are teaching their children. From the looks of it, the future is getting brighter and brighter for everyone with special needs and the rest of us too.