WASHOUGAL — On Oct. 8, the Washougal High School student body elected their peers Suzanne Brown and Evan Miner as homecoming king and queen. Brown and Miner receive special education services at Washougal High School. For Suzanne’s and Evan’s families, this moment was a testament to an inclusive, welcoming school culture at Washougal High School.
Suzanne Brown is a student with Down syndrome who exemplifies school spirit and determination. During the homecoming assembly, the homecoming committee read a statement about future aspirations from each candidate for homecoming court. Suzanne’s statement read, “I want to be a cheer coach, own my own store, and spend time with my boyfriend, Evan.” The student body erupted in applause, and Suzanne proudly waved to her supportive classmates. Suzanne has been involved in cheer since the third grade and is on the varsity cheer team at Washougal High School this year for the first time.
Evan Miner receives special services at Washougal High School for autism. During homecoming celebrations, Miner was excited by the cheering and chants directed at him. According to his family members, he has been “walking tall” with pride ever since the event.
“The students at Washougal High School care deeply about building a culture of acceptance and strive to create opportunities for greater student understanding and appreciation of the ways that individuals with disabilities can contribute and be part of our school community,” said David Williams, special education teacher at Washougal High School. “By including our students who have disabilities in our general education classrooms, we create opportunities for greater student understanding and appreciation of the ways that individuals with disabilities can contribute and be part of our school community.”
