WESTON, Fla. (WSVN) — You may call her Lexi for short. As of Friday night, you may also call her Your Majesty.
Surrounded by friends, family and dozens of cheering classmates, Alexis Chung was crowned Cypress Bay High School’s homecoming queen, the first time a student from the school’s Exceptional Student Education Program has run for the title and won.
«Lexi! Lexi! Lexi!» chanted students as the newly crowned teen, who has Down syndrome, marched down the school’s football field alongside her father, Elliot Cintron.
Lexi’s victory gives her hard-fought campaign a storybook ending, and she said she likes the perks that come with the honor.
Reporter: «Why did you want to be homecoming queen? Why did it mean so much to you?»
Lexi: «Because of the slow dance.»
Reporter: Just because of the slow dance or is it because of the crown?
Lexi: «Yes, for the crown.»
Lexi’s proud parents said their daughter’s story serves as an inspiration for any students trying to overcome adversity in order to make their dreams come true.
Reporter: «I take it, for you, this is more than just a crown.»
Elliot Cintron: «Absolutely, this inspired the entire community, the entire school. I didn’t expect this much of a reaction, with the turnout.»
For Lexi’s mom, this hard-earned victory, which involved her daughter filling school hallways with homemade signs and even belting out her rendition of Katy Perry’s «Roar,» proves that, when it comes to fulfilling a goal, perseverance pays off. «I just always taught her that, as long as you try, no matter at what point you’re starting off in life or where you’re at, if you give it your all, you will succeed, and that [applies] to every student out there,» said Denise Anderson.
One of Lexi’s classmates said there’s a bigger lesson to be learned from this homecoming queen’s story. «I think, all in all, it doesn’t matter who you are, what you look like, or anything about your background,» said Jenson Kotlar. «It’s just what’s on the inside and [going after] what you really want, and your dreams will come true if you put your mind to it.»
Lexi showed her classmates, who watched her tireless campaign, the value of pursuing your goals. They have shown her a lot of love, and Lexi gives it right back. «I love you, guys!» she yells into the 7News reporter’s microphone.
The lady of the hour added she still has not found a date for Saturday’s homecoming dance. She’s narrowed her list of suitors to three candidates: Justin Bieber, Dwayne Johnson or Pitbull.
(Copyright 2013 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Edición 6 Aldea Magazine
