It’s prom time and that means excitement, anxiety and even plenty of heartache for high school students everywhere.

But it’s been a particularly long road to the prom red carpet for 19-year-old Nick Bulman, a senior at Barnstable High School.

On Friday night, Nick will find out if he’s been chosen as prom king as the disco ball spins at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis.

He’s one of a handful of finalists, which is amazing since Nick was born “Nicole” and came out to his classmates as transgender last fall.

It was a brave decision and one that was embraced by his peers.

Nick wasn’t bullied or ostracized. Instead he was lifted by a student community that has been inspired by his positive outlook and infectious personality.

“I love Barnstable so much,” Bulman tells me. “The school, teachers and kids have allowed me to be myself.”

“He’s such a good kid,” says junior Abby Al-Asousi, Nick’s date for the prom. “He’s so supportive of everyone and he’s just so fun to be around.”

The friends bonded as teammates on the BHS field hockey team.

When Nick announced that he was transgender in September, the players and coaches held a Pride Game against Nauset Regional High School to support safety and inclusion for LGBTQ athletes.

Lady Gaga’s anthem “Born this Way” blared from stadium speakers before the game, and you can bet the song will get students dancing again on prom night.

Senior year is stressful for any teenager as they try to meet academic demands, apply for college and figure out what they want to do after graduation.

Nick faced these challenges along with getting his name legally changed and undergoing surgery in March so that he could feel more like himself.

“I got so frustrated trying on clothes that were not comfortable,” Bulman remembers. “But I just got fitted for my tuxedo and it only took a few minutes. It was so easy. It was so great.”

Nick’s mother, Jaime Gallagher, says the experience has been transformative for both of them.

“It never made sense for me to try to figure out Nick,” Jaime Gallagher says. “From an early age, he was silently questioning his place and identity. I have my son now and it all finally makes sense.”

Bulman will attend Bridgewater State University in the fall, where he’ll study psychology.

“I’ve learned to love myself but also to love other people,” he says. “The more love I can give others; the more they’ll give me in return.”

Casey Sherman’s latest book is “12: The Inside Story of Tom Brady’s Fight for Redemption.” Follow him on Twitter @caseysherman123.