It was a memorable prom night for two students with Down syndrome who ended up being selected as their high school’s prom king and queen. According to WSET, Jefferson Forest High School in Virginia selected students Anna Anderson and Zane Wales and honored them with the title last month all thanks to Anderson and Wales’ classmates.
Anderson and Wales’ friends wanted the two to know just how important they are to their community and naming them prom king and queen was just a small way of showing it, explained teacher Heather Hevener. “They see these kids every day. They walk the same halls with these same kids, and they just feel like they’re part of them, so they wanted to make sure that they also really felt part of them,” Hevener told the news station.
Hevener revealed that the plan to crown the duo as king and queen began in February. “Probably in February or March, I had a few students like, ‘You know what? This year, Zane Wales for prom king — let’s do it!'” she recalled. “So, they started the campaign on their own, and then, when we asked for nominations, Zane’s name came through.”
In addition to the students and faculty at Jefferson Forest High School, the community came together to make the event even more special for the two. According to PEOPLE, local companies from the area pitched in to make sure Anderson and Wales’ prom night was one to remember with Emerald Limousine providing the two a limo and Celebration Bridal donating outfits for the night.
As for the chief guests, Anderson and Wales both had a blast at the event as they danced on the floor with their sashes and crowns. Apparently, the two had no idea that they were going to win the title this year so when they did it was a remarkable moment for them. For Wales, the best part of the evening was being crowned prom king but it was the dancing that stood out for Anderson who was extremely happy to be honored that night.
Their happiness in turn helped put a smile across the faces of many others who worked tirelessly to make the event a success. “Love these kids it’s so awesome to see the love that the whole school [gives],” shared one resident in the comment section of a video. “We need this more showing love and care,” they added. “So beautiful, What an unforgettable evening. So warm-hearted and love,” noted another.
Cover image source: Facebook | Madison Doner WSET
