Ohio school names special-needs homecoming couple

WESTLAKE, Ohio (AP) — Students at a Northeast Ohio high school have named two 21-year-old seniors born with Down syndrome as their homecoming king and queen.

Holly Thomas and Jake Cox became reigning royalty at Westlake High School at Friday’s football game.

Lori Thomas, the girl’s mother, told the Morning Journal of Lorain she’s grateful to students and their parents for the values displayed by the decision.

Thomas and Cox were born just months apart and have long been best friends. Lori Thomas told the Northeast Ohio Media Group they’ve been “an item” since fifth grade.

Jacob’s grandmother, Dorothy Morris, said she initially worried the nomination was a prank. But seeing her grandson and Holly with fellow students made her realize it was a sincere statement in a time of bullying.