(I meant this for the lounge... sorry) sweet story

[Syrinx]

The ranks of homecoming kings have classically be filled by jocks or student government officers, but the students at a Tempe high school decided to go a different route this year. Marcos de Niza High School's landslide winner for homecoming king was a 21-year-old student with Down syndrome.

Poco Carton is legendary around campus for his daily dance moves at lunch and his insistence on saying hello to nearly everyone.

"I'm Mr. Popular here, for this whole school," said Carton, who was crowned Friday.

http://www.local6.com/news/2541164/detail.html

I hate these extremely short stories by nbc stations.

[Robin Hood]

1. Sweet but,

21 and still in high school? I know that he has a disability but do they allow that? Either way, good for him, it's his day. Rock on Carton, rock on.

[Syrinx]

2. come on, he's mentally retarded for goodness sake

[dorktv]

3. Hey! you know he could have been sick. Sometimes

if a kid is really ill, they wind up being late.

[dorktv]

4. I have a friend who taught there...I wonder if she knew him.

[Syrinx]

5. I don't know, call her and let us know!

:)

[dorktv]

6. I will.

:)

[newyawker99]

7. Congrats dorktv!! 400 posts

:toast:

[Drifter]

8. Reminds me of the story of ...

the mentally retarded football player at this high school. He was more of a token player, than an actual contributor (for obvious reasons). He was well known throughout the league of teams that he played in. He was used for kneel downs and what not.

In his last game as a senior, he was called on to score a touchdown. I can't remember if his team was way ahead or way behind, and I actually think the idea came from the opposing team.

Anyways, as the last play of the game, he was given the opportunity to play running back, and was allowed to run 80 yards for a touchdown (the defense did not challenge him). It was a very emotional sight. The poor kid almost did not understand what was going on, because his participation in games was usually kneel downs.

Even though in reality the touchdown had very little meaning, to this young man it meant EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD.

It is amazing that in a country that displays this kind of unconditional compassion and sportsmanship, that a person like AWOL could come to power.

Cheers
Drifter

[BigMcLargehuge]

9. I am locking as it is a dupe

Please continue your discussion here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=267118

Thanks,

Big McLargehuge
DU Moderator