Homecoming king gives crown to student with special needs

A Utah football player gave up his homecoming crown to a fellow classmate with special needs. 

As a football player, senior Tre Pearson is used to being in the spotlight. That's why at last week's homecoming dance, he did something to share that spotlight with someone else. 

"It's not about me, Pearson recalled. "I don't think it's about me at all." 

Pearson was named homecoming king, but he decided someone else should enjoy the experience. 

"They put the crown on my head and I was like, 'No, I don't deserve this.'" 

What he did next, caused the dance hall to erupt with cheers.

"I took the crown off my head and set it on his head and put my arm around him," Pearson said.

Pearson put the crown on fellow senior Nathanial Fryer, a student with Down syndrome. 

"I feel like special needs kids deserve a chance and opportunity to feel the way we feel and have special moments," Pearson said. 

"Nathanial's father said the gesture meant so much to their family. 

"I can't even begin to describe," Mr. Fryer said. "Just that small act of kindness will forever be remembered."