From the notebook of the Rev. Linda Bigler, pastor of Humboldt Congregational UCC in Iowa and a member of the United Church of Christ Board of Directors:
September 26, 2009
The Homecoming Court
Homecoming wouldn’t be Homecoming witho
ut a King and Queen, and Humboldt is no exception of course. Each girl and boy being considered for King or Queen rode in their own convertible in the (Homecoming) parade. Of course they were all dressed to the nines and were having fun waving to all of us along the way.
But our Homecoming Court story made news throughout the state and maybe it will make the national “feel good†news, too.
A boy named Brent was one of the candidates for Homecoming King. Since the day he started school, everyone has loved him: teachers, students, coaches – everyone. What makes this story different is that Brent is a Down’s Syndrome child. His classmates took them under their wing at an early age, protecting him from teasing and other slings and arrows children – and grownups! – with a disability are subjected to. Teachers included him in school activities without question. He is on the wrestling team and works out with the football team at his own pace. His enthusiasm for school and people and life in general is well known and loved here.
Last night at half-time, Brent learned that he had been voted Homecoming King. They showed video of it on the news last night. The expression of surprise and delight on his face was priceless. And the news comes out of Des Moines here – not some repeater station in the middle of nowhere. WHO TV may have the video on their website; so also may KCCI.
O, for a world where even grownups with disabilities could be loved, nurtured, respected, and appreciated like this boy has been!
