South Ripley special needs student wins Homecoming King

Photo provided

(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – A South Ripley High School student had an experience this weekend he’ll never forget. 

Senior Devin Moore is a special education student who is also a Special Olympics athlete.

His teacher, Lainey Bahr, recently reached out to Devin’s mom and asked if he could be nominated for Homecoming King. 

Devin and Bahr worked together on his entrance resume and he was accepted as one of five nominees for Homecoming King.

“It really meant the world to us for him to be nominated. It was a great group of kids that he was up against, so we didn't really know how it would play out,” his mom, Gretchen, said. 

There was a walkthrough for the Homecoming candidates last week and then all the high school students voted on their choice for king and queen. 

The Homecoming game was held on Friday night and Devin found out that he won! 

Devin has been a huge fan of UFC and WWE since he was young and he would always insist on his family announcing him as the ‘winner’. 

“So to see him get to experience that for real- it was pretty emotional for all of us. We're just so proud of him and everyone that was involved. He has been on cloud 9 since,” Gretchen said.

The family added that it is truly special to see Devin embraced by his peers. They describe the special education program at South Ripley as phenomenal. 

“Without Lainey Bahr, his teacher, and her paraprofessionals none of this would have happened for him and we are so grateful,” Moore said. 

She added, “South Ripley is a proven leader when it comes to inclusion and our boys are certainly a testament to that. No matter where we go, they are always greeted with excitement and love."

Devin was joined by senior Avery Andrews who was named Homecoming Queen. 

Here are some more photos provided by Special Olympics of Ripley, Ohio and Dearborn Counties: