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<< Previous   of   Next >> Heidi Hoffman / The Herald  (click to enlarge) Granite Falls sophomore homecoming royalty Justine Hagan and Jacob Byron react to a cheering crowd before being announced during the homecoming game at Granite Falls High School on Friday. (click to enlarge) Justine Hagan and Jacob Byron (center) stand with the homecoming court.   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Granite Falls students make homecoming heartwarming 10/23/09   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Saturday, October 24, 2009 Spirit of Granite Falls High School By Julie Muhlstein, Herald Writer Friendship makes its mark on Granite Falls High School homecoming festivities as Justine Hagan and Jacob Byron serve as sophomore class royalty this weekend. Both are special-education students in the school’s life skills program. Justine, 17, has Down syndrome, and 16-year-old Jacob has Prader-Willi syndrome. Sophomore Kalyn Walker, 15, a cheerleader and Justine’s friend through the school’s Heroes Club, was a nominee for homecoming princess, but she sent word out to classmates to vote for Justine and Jacob. After their halftime ride around the football field at Friday’s homecoming game, the reigning couple will take the floor at tonight’s dance. “I think it’s fantastic,” said Granite Falls High School Principal Eric Cahan. “We have a lot to be proud of at this school.” READER COMMENTS Log in or register to post new comment | Log out Granite Falls Class is Class Act I have seen the commercial recently on TV as we all may have, the camera falls on the beautiful and popular head cheerleader/Class President as she announces the Gorgeous and Beautiful 3rd and 2nd attendees for Homecoming Queen. When the Queen is announced after much suspense it's Becca Winegaar! An ecstatic and lovely young lady with Downs Syndrome waves and smiles triumphantly to the cheering crowd of fellow students. http://www.values.com/tv_spots/96-Homecoming The message is brought to you by "The Foundation for a Better Life". I remember thinking to myself the first time I watched this advertisement what a great message; but is it fantasy? Are the youth of today capable of such selfless and gracious action? Is there any way that with Christian values and priorties so secondary in our society and our youth these days having been relegated behind those for the latest gaming console, or coolest new iPhone that kids could really do something like this? Well, I am thrilled that the young adults in Granite Falls High have answered my question in the affirmative! It gives me renewed confidence and hope for our future. Way to Go Granite Falls High you are all "Winners" along with your Queen and King. Michael Bednarz | Oct 27, 2009 9:48 am | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal (No heading) But, there are still those kids who believe themselves to be the "stuff of royalty" and feel good events like this end up becoming jokes. I think it's wonderful that as a society we've advanced and matured enough to see that inclusion of all is not something that should be seen outside the box but the stuff that makes our children the productive compassionate adults we all hope them to become. Congratulations Justine and Jacob, enjoy your high school experience and thank you to the wonderful friends and classmates you have who understand the need to give you the same considerations for happiness and success that they have. God Bless the good folks of Granite Falls! You made my day. CC At the Big B | Oct 24, 2009 7:41 am | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal you wouldn't see this 20, 30 years ago, or more... . Back then, there was just too much ignorance & too much competition. Guess you can say the students downed the importance of this event & that's just frikin awesome! cme everett | Oct 24, 2009 1:15 am | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal

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