Patrick Anderson and Jill Meier

A homecoming coronation Thursday brought one Brandon Valley High School mom to tears.

Tamara Gorsuch, 56, couldn't hold back when cheers erupted for her 18-year-old son, Matthew, who was chosen as homecoming king in a ceremony at the district's performing arts center.

Matthew was born with trisomy 10p syndrome, which causes autism and other difficulties, Tamara said. He can talk, but Tamara sometimes uses sign language to communicate with her son.

Matthew always has been able to rely on support from his classmates and from district educators, Gorsuch said.

"It was a village taking care of my son last night," Gorsuch said. "It was incredible."

Whistles and screams filled the auditorium when Matthew's name was announced, Gorsuch said.

Matthew seemed overwhelmed by the scene, she said, but other members of the 2014 royal court helped him keep his composure.

"We went to elementary school together with our lockers next to each other," homecoming queen Savannah Garrow said. "And I'm so happy for him."

"I personally voted for Matthew," fellow king nominee Tyler Erck said. "I think it's absolutely fantastic that he was part of the court, and even more so that he was voted king."

Gorsuch said Matthew likes horses, the rodeo and Reba McEntire. "He's always smiling. He's tender. He's soft. He's kind," Gorsuch said.

The humanity of the high school's 1,000 students is faith-restoring, Gorsuch said.

"You're happy for all the kids that get nominated, and you're proud of the class for recognizing the special gifts that a member of their class has," high school Principal Gregg Talcott said.

The high school nominates six boys and six girls each year to become homecoming king and queen. Other members of the royal court included king nominees Erck, Nate Bennett, Alex Darrington, Tonner Bowman and Jake Comeaux.

Other queen nominees were Bethany Headrick, Calli Hensley, Kjerstin Williams, Alissa Kuhn and Umaima Koch.

"It was just ... it was cool," Gorsuch said. "I just feel so thankful that there's a group of kids that can love my son as much as I do."