It’s hard to deny that teens don’t have the best reputation. We hear stories about bullying much too often; of youth showing immense cruelty towards their peers.
But then, there are stories like this. Stories where teens prove they can not only steer clear from such negative behaviors — but that they are also capable of being incredibly kind and considerate.
It all began at Douglas County High School in Colorado, after a boy named Brad Cooley was crowned homecoming king.
Meanwhile, 17 year old Meghan Bailey was named queen. But there’s at least one other special thing about Meghan: she was born with a form of Cerebral Palsy which inhibits her from speaking on her own.
Now, anyone who attended high school may remember just what an honor such titles mean at that age. They can indeed make teens feel like actual kings and queens.
That’s what makes Brad’s next move so unexpected and all the more considerate. Brad soon announced that he wanted to forfeit his crown — in order to pass it on to someone else.
Thoughtful Teen
The young man knew very well that Meghan had one great friend at school: a boy by the name of Ian Brennan, who was born with Down syndrome. Meghan and Ian had been friends since they were 5 years old, and had already been planning to attend the dance together.
So Brad didn’t hesitate. Within 24 hours of receiving his crown, he decided to pass his well-deserved crown over to Ian.
“Something didn’t feel right to me, it didn’t feel like I was the one who was supposed to have it,” Brad explained. “There was just something in me that was like, I just felt like it would be better deserved for someone else.”
What a gentleman’s reaction! Despite his young age, Brad reacted with humility and grace — something even adults can learn from.
Families’ Praise Teen’s Move
Meghan and Ian’s families were, needless to say, greatly moved by Brad’s considerate move.
“It made me cry,” Meghan’s mom Heidi said. “It was amazing to have just the sweetness of sharing that moment, it was really amazing.”
“It was really overwhelming, so it is a very, very special, it was a special night and it’s a special memory and we’re going to hold on to that one,” Ian’s father Jim said.
The move came at an especially significant time: Ian’s mother had died of liver cancer just two months earlier.
“She was my hero before she was diagnosed,” Jim said. “Our hope now is that we continue, along with a whole team of other people, the work that she did and just make the world a better place not just for Ian, but for everybody.”
Watch the heartwarming report below for more on Brad’s selfless act.
That Brad allowed Meghan and Ian to share such a special moment together is just so considerate! Share this story if you agree this young man is truly a king at grace!
