A teenage girl was left visibly shocked after hearing that she had been named her schoolโs homecoming queen in footage that is sure to touch hearts around the world.
According to reports, Emma Wright was awarded the distinction by the student body at East Forsyth High School in North Carolina.
The 18-year-old was among nearly a dozen girls vying for the title of homecoming queen. Together, they gathered on the schoolโs football field for the big announcement, and when it came, the moment was every bit as tear-jerking as one might imagineโฆ
By all accounts, Emma Wright is popular among her classmates at East Forsyth High School. The 18-year-old has Down syndrome, but sheโs never let that stand in the way of being a positive, friendly presence in the institutionโs halls.
Even so, she couldnโt hide her shock after she was handed the honor of being named her schoolโs homecoming queen for this year.
As per reports, Emma joined a number of other girls in contention for the prestigious accolade, while her father was stood by her side as the results from the schoolโs student body were read out.
Footage of the event has now made its way to the internet, showing the exact moment Emma heard her name being called. The teenager, who is also on her schoolโs cheerleading team, immediately broke down in tears.
โSo amazing,โ she told WXII12. โI started crying as soon as they read out my name.โ
Emmaโs father, Brad Wright, was also visibly moved.
โWe had no idea, itโs something that you prepare for,โ he said.
โJust getting dressed, getting all the things done and we are so thankful to be a part of East Forsyth family and so excited for Emma and the opportunity they gave her tonight.โ
Speaking to Fox 8, East Forsyth Principal Rusty Hall expressed his joy at Emmaโs deserved win.
โWe call her our dancer. You can see her dancing in the cafeteria, and the hallways, sheโs loved by the entire student body,โ Hall said.
โItโs what we try to push here. Everybody is included, everybodyโs voice matters regardless of your background, your life before you got here.
โOnce youโre here youโre family. And we appreciate the contributions of all of our students and tonight was a perfect example.โ
Fittingly, the homecoming queen announcement was made in October, which is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
As per reports, Emma dreams of opening up her own bakery and ice cream shop when sheโs older. Sheโs also set to attend Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina after graduating next year.
Watch the emotional video of Emma being crowned homecoming queen below:
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