9:30 p.m.
Hidden Valley did end up voting Ashton Trescott as homecoming queen.
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6:35 p.m.
She's only 18, but she's already had to deal with more than most. Ashton Trescott was born with Down Syndrome and diagnosed with Autism at an early age. This past summer, she was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Last month, she got to take a break from all of her trips to the doctor to take a Make-A-Wish trip to California where she toured Universal Studios and got the chance to meet some Disney actors and actresses. While it was a special treat, Ashton is in for a night to remember at Hidden Valley's Homecoming game against Northside.
The students at hidden valley have nominated her for the homecoming court. "Just for her school, her friends, and for the seniors to nominate her. Ashton is a child with several disabilities, and for them to put her in the limelight when they could pick a popular cheerleader or a princess or the valedictorian or the one with the most friends. They nominated my baby, and this is just monumental. It speaks something of the value of the kids that are surrounding her, and supporting her", says Ashton's mom, Leah Baker.
Senior Stephanie Woodson adds, "It's an intense struggle, and it's hard to relate. We just want them to know how much we love them, and that we are praying for them."
Cari Burke works daily with Ashton at school. She also joined them on the trip to California. For her, seeing Ashton being uplifted by her classmates, is special. "I have been in tears for a week now, because I don't think my high school class would have done something like that. They have just embraced her wonderfully, and they are mature and loving. Very nice kids", said Burke.
The way Ashton looks at her mom, you can tell, homecoming or not, these two enjoy every moment they have together. "Even if today was just a regular day, and I was getting off work and going home to her, it's another day I have with her. Even if she was not nominated for homecoming queen, and even if we did not get a Make-A-Wish trip. If we were going home to eat Spaghetti-Os for dinner, and watch Hannah Montana on television, it's another night with her. That means everything to me", Leah says.
As for the big moment on the field tonight, "I am walking with her, and I hope someone is in the stands taking lots of pictures. That is a memory I want hanging on the wall."
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