Video: A Dream To be Named King

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NEW HOPE, Miss. (WCBI) – New Hope High School is gearing up for homecoming! Students, teachers, parents and the community joined in the festivities Friday morning including the parade, a poster contest and a pep rally. The queen and king will be announced during halftime at the big game tonight.

And for one special needs student at New Hope, it’s been his dream to be crowned all school year.

Peter Jones is a senior at New Hope High School.

When asked how he feels about being on the court he says, “I feel good!”

Peter was born with Down Syndrome,and he was born hundreds of miles away from here. “We moved here from Chicago when Peter was 2 years old and he could have never gotten this kind of love in Chicago,” says Peter’s Mom, Norma.

Anna Rooker is his escort. “We’re just really excited tonight,” says Anna Rooker, New Hope Senior.

“They accept him for who he is, and he feels accepted,” says Peter’s Mom, Norma. “I thank God! I just thank all the people that have been so wonderful in helping us to raise him. It takes a village to raise a child,” says Peter’s Mom, Norma.

“It would be wonderful words can’t explain it. Because I know what it Will mean to him. Because he really hates to lose,” says Peter’s dad Peter Jones Sr.

And clearly he hates to lose. We asked him who was going to win tonight. “New hope. They’re going to win the game, 100-0!” says Peter.

“We don’t know if he will be king or if he won’t be king but – if he is or if he isn’t it still has meant the world to him,” says Peter’s Mom, Norma.

Crowned king or not, his family, friends and teachers at New Hope, give him hope, love and friendship that could never be bought.

The New Hope Trojans will take on the Oxford Chargers this evening at 6:00. The homecoming king will be announced during halftime at 6:30.