COLORADO SPRINGS — Sierra High School students were on their feet, stomping, clapping and whooping at last week’s assembly for seniors.
The most popular Prom Court couple had walked toward each other from opposite ends of the gym, met in the center, held hands and faced their peers.
“The building was shaking. I’ve never heard our student body cheer for anything so loudly,” said teacher Jesse Smith.
The pair that caused such a frenzy were seniors Johnny Daniel, who has cerebral palsy, and Paige Steffonich, who has Down syndrome.
“The look on their faces brought smiles to the student body from ear to ear,” said Sierra student Zac Biacan, who is on the Junior Prom Council. “I loved that.”
Sierra’s prom was Saturday night. Johnny and Paige are vying against two other male and two other female students for the titles of prom king and queen. Students vote for their favorite.
There’s no question Johnny and Paige will win, said Smith, who teaches special-needs students at the Harrison District 2 school.
“Based on the volume of cheering we heard, it was pretty obvious who would be the most popular,” he said. “It’s a testament to our student body being really supportive of our special-needs students. They’re very inclusive.”
Maggie Jackson, senior class sponsor and an English teacher, said the reaction at the assembly was completely “unsolicited.”
“They got the biggest round of applause, and it was amazing,” she said, adding that it was so moving, she started crying.
“It doesn’t surprise me one bit that this is happening and that the kids have been so enthusiastic, generous and kind about it because that’s what they’re like every day,” Jackson said.
Some students, including Zac, tutor special-needs students.
