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Down Syndrome Teen Voted Homecoming Queen

'Her smile was as big as Texas,' aunt says

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 15, 2008 5:02 AM CDT

(Newser) – There wasn't a dry eye in the house when a Texas football stadium erupted into wild cheers last weekend to honor their homecoming queen, a pretty 18-year-old high school senior with Down syndrome. "Her smile was as big as the state of Texas," queen Kristin Pass' aunt told ABC News. "Everyone was on their feet yelling, 'Yeah, Kristin!' louder than they had been cheering during the game."

The popular teen was one of three finalists among 15 students to vie for the homecoming crown. Beyond the various cognitive battles she has faced in high school, Pass also lost her father two years ago. "When I saw her win, it made me very proud," said her 14-year-old sister. "To be through so much and have this blessing was unbelievable."

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Texas high school homecoming queen Kristin Pass is flanked by her court.

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I was surprised and happy. Everyone said, 'Good Job!'
- Homecoming Queen Kristin Pass

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Down Syndrome Teen Voted Homecoming Queen