Fredericksburg students crown a friend with Down syndrome

Libby Klein, left, stands with her escort Lane Williams after being crowned Homecoming Queen of Fredericksburg High School Saturday night. Libby Klein, left, stands with her escort Lane Williams after being crowned Homecoming Queen of Fredericksburg High School Saturday night. Photo: Robert Owen, Courtesy Photo Photo: Robert Owen, Courtesy Photo Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Fredericksburg students crown a friend with Down syndrome 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

FREDERICKSBURG — After spending the weekend as royalty, Libby Klein resumed her friendly, upbeat and down-to-earth existence Monday at Fredericksburg High School.

But the euphoria persists from the affectionate gesture of classmates who elected her homecoming queen Friday during halftime of the Billies' 16-13 defeat of the Llano Yellow Jackets.

“The crown makes me feel perfect,” said Klein, a senior with Down syndrome. “I wanted the crown so badly because I didn't have one.”

Klein, 19, was the clear winner over four other would-be queens for the honorary title that this year carries special significance.

“I'm really proud of the student body. They realized how much it would mean to her,” said Natalie Smith, faculty sponsor for the student council. “They really showed good character in wanting that for her. They love her.”

The crowd cheered wildly and tears flowed freely as the royal tiara took its place atop Klein, decked out in a strapless burgundy gown and pearls.

“A lot of people were very moved to see it,” said Camry Weinheimer, 17, a queen candidate who is Klein's cousin. “I've never seen anybody so happy as she was.”

Police Officer Chris Ayala misted up, though he'd already caught wind of the “Elect Libby” campaign on the campus where he's stationed.

“The second she heard her name, she jumped and screamed,” he recalled. “That made my eyes water.”

Far from casting it as a sympathy vote, Klein's backers say she merited the recognition on her own terms, for her can-do attitude and positive outlook.

“She's nice to everybody and she really deserved to win,” said Kendyl Spies, 16.

Many of the campus's 940 students are familiar with Klein from pep rally appearances as an honorary cheerleader.

“It's just amazing how much the community has rallied around my daughter,” said Greg Klein, 50, calling his family blessed to live in such a place.

Libby Klein was home-schooled by her mom before enrolling in Fredericksburg High School three years ago.

“She's a very sweet, loving girl and I think she's very bright for having Down syndrome,” Karen Klein said.

She plans to enroll in a Schreiner University program for special-needs students and wants to teach children as a profession.

Terri Mauldin, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, called it “awesome” that students elected a classmate with the genetic defect, known medically as Trisomy 21, which affects on average one of every 691 live births.

“Something like this is significant in that they're finally being accepted as a peer by their classmates,” she said, noting Drew Boynton, who also has Down syndrome, was named Alamo Heights High School's homecoming king in 2011.

Klein said the best part of being queen is “spending time with the principal, because I like Mr. Halderman so much.”

Principal Ralf Halderman responded, “We've known each other for three years and we've become very good friends.”

Of Klein's election, he said, “It just kind of goes to show you we have really good kids with big hearts.”

zeke@express-news.net