Classmates make special ed student's senior year unforgettable, elect him as homecoming king

VENTURA, Calif. -- High school seniors in Ventura surprised their fellow classmate, who is a special education student, by electing him homecoming king.

Ian McKeever, 17, became homecoming king at Buena High School, and it's a moment he'll never forget.

He was nominated by a fellow student who served as a teacher's aide in his classroom, and the two became close friends.

"He's just a great kid. He always has a positive attitude, so I figured it's our senior year and I just wanted to make his senior year one he would never forget," friend Mia Mumford said.

McKeever beat out two football players, who were also nominated. Since winning two weeks ago, he has been keeping up with his royal duties, which include a lot of interactions with other students. It's something those close to McKeever said has changed his life.

"He's not as shy as he used to be, and he loves it. He loves that interaction and people saying hi to him," paraeducator Brandon Billings said.

Mumford hopes other students will understand the message and include all kids in school activities.

McKeever will be graduating from Buena High School next year, and after that will be heading to a post-secondary school.