High school student with Down syndrome excited to perform on the court for homecoming

HIGHLAND, Ark. (KAIT) – Emily Anderson is a senior at Highland High School and her senior year she will be given the honor of being on the court for her high school homecoming.

Emily was diagnosed with Down syndrome, and her parents, Daniel and Brandy Anderson, said there have been many challenges over the years, but also many good things.

“I just want everyone to know that people with disabilities can do anything that anyone else can do, and Emily has endured multiple surgeries, heart surgeries, multiple surgeries, and she’s just overcome a lot,” Brandy said.

“Emily has been a cheerleader since the age of five, she has always been a part of the community, she has always been a part of the school and she has been accepted by all of her peers.”

Her friends and teammates Dacey Stevens, Trinity Enloe, Abby Claxton and Kennadie Parish say Emily is a joy to be around and always has a smile on her face.

“I’ve known Em since kindergarten. She is absolutely priceless, I love her so much,” Stevens said.

“Emily really shines a light on our practice, coming with her snacks and sharing them with everyone. She’s really like my little sister, who I never played on the cheerleading team,” Enloe said.

Emily says Dacey is her best friend.

“I like Dacey a lot, but I love her a lot,” Emily said.

When it came time for the student council to vote to go home, some students began sending emails encouraging students to vote for Emily.

“The other maids even voted for Emily Anderson as Homecoming Queen. Emily Anderson for the Queen. Everyone just loves Emily,” Claxton said.

“All these kids are great, everyone here in the stands, they never put pressure on Emily, they always brought her in, they always accepted her, they were fantastic,” Daniel said.

Emily has the full support of her peers and community.

“It’s going to be amazing. Emily is very excited. The day she found out she was going to be on the court, she started cheering and she was just like me and she was jumping up and down so excited,” Parish said.

As this is her senior year, Emily hopes to leave a lasting impact and legacy in her school and community. After graduating, he wants to become a doctor.

“Growing up with her was wonderful. She was never rude to me and I was never rude to her. We have an amazing bond and I’m truly sorry that I waited so long to be this close to her,” Stevens said.

Emily will go into the field as a maid when she returns home on Friday evening, October 25, when the Rebels attack Cave City.

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