Down's syndrome H.S. Student voted Homecoming King

[flygal]

This story made my day. I love Choteau - it's where David Letterman lives when he's not in NY.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080927/NEWS01/809270303&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

King for a day: Choteau teen with Down syndrome vies for homecoming crown


CHOTEAU — His fingertips grazing the ground, Jesse Campbell eyed the defensive lineman across from him, ready to pounce.


The 19-year-old senior is a proud Choteau Bulldog — and a huge football fan — but until Friday night, he had never made it on the field.

Born with Down syndrome, Campbell isn't on the team. However, he had a chance to win a title of his own Friday — homecoming king.

When her son was born, Cathy Campbell cried, both in joy and shock. She and her husband, Joe, had no idea what Jesse's life would be like.

[Beaverhausen]

1. what a great story

:cry:

[tpsbmam]

2. Tears. I love this story -- thanks for posting it! n/t

[liberalmuse]

3. Man. That is a beautiful story.

My sister and I went to High School in Salt Lake City. We hated it. The thought of going to school full of ill-mannered asshole spawn day after day was unbearable, so most days we'd take the bus and hang out downtown instead. I don't know how we managed to graduate.

My sister and I shared a Home Ec class. The kids in that class would torment this Down's Syndrome boy. My sister and I talked to the teacher about this, but she completely ignored us. Instead of putting a stop to the cruelty, we'd catch her amused smirk. What a cow. One day, some of the kids tied him to a pole, and my sister and I and one other boy (he was cute!) were the only kids in the class to stick up for him and untie him. We also called the kids jerks. We were so disgusted. Then to read about these kind kids. Jesus. That did it. I cried for that boy in HS.

[flygal]

4. ..............

:hug:

[Mnemosyne]

7. My, then 10 - 12 year old, daughter, used to put bullies in a headlock until

they apologized to whomever they were tormenting. She still hasn't stopped taking on bullies at age 29. Never hurts a soul and the cops love her. :) I, of course, worry.

People can be so vicious and cruel. :hug:

[mrbscott19]

5. I have a cousin who is autistic

and his senior class did the same thing for him. It made me a little more proud of the human race to know that some of the meanest and most selfish people on the planet(high schoolers) would do something like this and deny "king of the preps" his crown. I've never seen him happier than when he walked down the aisle with that crown on.

[madrchsod]

6. the students ,their folks,and the community should be proud.

the students showed that they are, well..pretty dam cool

[renate]

8. everybody's a winner!

Jesse had his big day and the other students learned what it feels like to make somebody truly, deeply happy. And it sounds like even before that, they figured out that what really matters is what's inside a person's heart.

Thanks for sharing this lovely story.

[pacalo]

12. Everybody is truly a winner.

Those whose hearts opened big during Jesse's high school years will carry this selfless deed with them forever in their lives. This was one building block to their individual characters that will open many doors for them. What a great bunch of young adults!

[David Zephyr]

9. Thank you, flygal, for sharing this story.

That's the America I love. Thanks!

[NorthCarolina]

10. Great story...Hi Five for posting it

[jpgray]

11. Choteau rules! It's where we stayed before venturing into the Bob Marshall Wilderness

Wonderful town.