A high school pep rally in eastern Pennsylvania took an unexpected turn when a newly crowned homecoming king made a choice that surprised everyone.
The scene unfolded at Mahanoy Area Junior-Senior High School during a Friday districtwide celebration. Students and staff were buzzing with excitement as the announcer prepared to reveal the winner. They finally narrowed the court down to the two final candidates for homecoming king.
Keny Cedanio Ramirez and Axton Kuhla stood side by side waiting for the final word. Axton is a student who has Down syndrome. As the anticipation built up in the crowded gymnasium Keny just reached out and put his arm around Axton.
Did you catch that small gesture before the winner was even called? Most of us get so caught up in our own nervous moments that we forget to look at the person standing right next to us.
The announcer called out the results and Keny Cedanio Ramirez was officially named homecoming king. School officials handed him the traditional sash and placed the crown on his head.
The crowd was cheering loudly for his victory. But instead of soaking in the applause and keeping the items for himself Keny immediately walked over to the runner-up student. He gently placed the sash across Axton and put the crown on his head. Axton started crying and wiped away tears of joy while the entire audience erupted in loud cheers.
It takes a lot to step aside right when everyone is clapping for your own accomplishment. He gave up the attention to make sure his friend felt loved.
A woman named Dawn Bowers captured this touching homecoming video on her camera and shared it online. Now the clip is going viral and people everywhere are noticing how much this simple act matters.
The footage clearly shows Axton overwhelmed with emotion while the whole school celebrates him. The video touched the hearts of many. One person wrote, “Wow , that’s so special for that young boy . He’ll always remember this night . God bless the student that shared this moment with this student with downs .”
Another person wrote, “This is why he won. What a heart!”
How do we actually grow in Christ? I have asked myself that exact question more times than I can count. I believe it is a true desire of every believer’s heart. The Bible gives us a really simple solution. We have to decrease ourselves and get rid of all the pride that comes from our flesh. We just need to be humble. That is when Christ really grows in us.
When Christ grows in a person they aren’t the only one who experiences it. It reflects at work, at home, at our church and wherever we go. We shouldn’t just be wishing for a perfect Christian life but asking for a selfless and sacrificial heart like Jesus has.
Keny reminded us what that actually looks like. Situations like this will come up in our own lives too. When they do, I hope we can love the person next to us just like we love ourselves and be ready to sacrifice for them.
The Bible tells us in John 3:30 (NKJV) “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Let us pray to God to take away all the pride that tries to rule our hearts and make us humble so His glory can flow through us.
WATCH: Teen Gives Homecoming Crown to Friend with Down Syndrome
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