The student body of Centralia High School got behind two special needs students and elected them as this past weekend’s Homecoming King and Queen.
Keegan Williams, who has Down Syndrome, proudly served as King and Dallas Thompson as Queen.
Williams’ mother, Candace Groff who works in the attendance office at Centralia High School, says she is proud of the student body at CHS after initially being apprehensive to even sending Keagan to the high school.
“Being a special needs mom you are very hesitant on things and Keegan when he was younger was very quiet and shy. And you know high school is for big kids and he is small so we were very scared. But turns out the high school was one of the biggest lessons we could every imagine for him. He’s social now, he is so loved and respected.”
But when Keegan’s aid first brought up the idea to her of Keagan running for Homecoming King she was apprehensive but says it was a proud moment when his name was announced as King on Friday as the homecoming celebration began.
“Keegan was kind of scared at first. It’s overwhelming and he doesn’t like big crowds too much and there was a lot of cheering going on. After it was all done with he really liked it though, he likes to be the star.”
As for Dallas, says she realized how popular she was when being elected queen. But Dallas said it was overwhelming when walking out on the football field at half-time.
“I wasn’t crying, but I was getting ready to because I was nervous. It went really well. The dance was really good. Just being there and all my friends wanting to give me hugs. I remember getting in the circle and all my friends saying go Dallas you got this. And then I remember walking out and just smiling and so happy with all my friends on the sidelines cheering for me.”
But Dallas said she was even happier for Keegan.
“I was so happy for him because knowing his disability, I was really proud that he got it. I was more proud of him getting it than me.”
Centralia High School Assistant Principal Bobby Brenneisen says a lot of good high school memories the kids will remember for a long time.
“Two very cool people in our building. And our kids as a student body I think loud and clear made it known how great of kids we do have here. It was a really special experience for Keagan and Dallas and the rest of the court for betting elected. And they made it very special.”
The homecoming was made even better as Centralia earned a 43 to 20 victory over Marion.
Centralia High School Homecoming Court: Addison Warden, Freshman; Mora McKinzie, Sophomore; Bryden Hall, Sophomore; Dallas Thompson, Queen; Keegan Williams, King; 2022 Queen Anija Moffett; Kasonova Poore, Jr. and Brooke Hutchinson Juniors; William Ballantini and Lacy Toedte, Seniors. Photo by Pat Hodges.
