A typical homecoming court has one king and one queen, but this year’s court had two. John Otts, Prince of Special Olympics, will accept nothing less than kingdom.

“I am the king,” Otts said. “I am the king of Special Olympics.”

To be the Prince of Special Olympics, the newest title added to the homecoming court, a young man must show discipline, obedience and annual participation on the Special Olympics.

“John has matured a huge amount over the years,” student services teacher Mrs. Bonnie Banks said. “We trust him to behave. He wanted to do this.”

John has been active in the Special Olympics for years.

“I do track and field, basketball and bowling. That’s my favorite one,” Otts said. “I do it cause it’s fun.”

John’s queen, senior Samantha Vaughan, asked to escort John onto the field.

“We met in middle school. He always used to come to my lunch table and tell everyone I was his girlfriend,” Vaughan said. “I asked him if I could escort him, and he said yes.”

Moments before halftime, when John and Samantha were due to accept the award, John had a breakdown.

“The whole night he was happy and having a good time,” Vaughan said. “But just before we were supposed to go on the field, John sat down and wouldn’t say anything. It went on for a couple of minutes. I went and got Mr. (Jeff) Jacobsen, and he helped John up. When we asked him what was wrong he looked up, crying, and said ‘this is the best thing that has ever happened to me.'”

Ready to accept his award, John and Samantha strolled to mid-field field, soaking in the moments joy.

“I couldn’t help crying,” Vaughan said. “We were walking out there and giving each other hugs.”

Winning Prince of Special Olympics may have been the best part of John’s high school career, but it’s not the last great thing he’ll accomplish.

“When I graduate I’m going to a transition school where they find you a job and train you,” Otts said. “I’m the football manager here, but one day I’m going to be a professional NFL player, a running back.”

by Hailey Kilgo 

photos by Rachel Proctor