Suzanne Brown is a student with Down Syndrome who exemplifies school spirit and determination; Evan Miner is ‘riding high’ after being chosen by students at Washougal High School

On Sat., Oct. 8, the Washougal High School student body elected their peers Suzanne Brown and Evan Miner as homecoming king and queen. Brown and Miner are students at Washougal High School. This event is a bright capstone on their careers as Washougal School District students, kicking off their senior year at Washougal High School on a high note. For Suzanne and Evan’s families, this special moment was a testament to the inclusive, welcoming school culture that the Washougal High School student body fosters for all students to rise. 

Suzanne Brown is a student with Down Syndrome who exemplifies school spirit and determination. During the homecoming assembly, the homecoming committee read a statement about future aspirations from each candidate for homecoming court. Suzanne’s statement read, “I want to be a cheer coach, own my own store, and spend time with my boyfriend, Evan.” The student body erupted in applause, and Suzanne proudly waved to her supportive classmates. 

Suzanne has been involved in cheer since the 3rd grade, and is on the varsity cheer team at Washougal High School this year for the first time. “Suzanne loves her school and the people she meets there. The senior class in particular has embraced her and included her in a way that she did not expect. She was floating 3 feet above the ground last week with all the attention, and her confidence has visibly increased,” said Suzanne’s mother, Jennie Brown. 

Evan Miner receives special services at Washougal High School for autism. During homecoming celebrations, Miner was excited by the cheering and chants directed at him. According to his family members, he has been ‘walking tall’ with pride ever since the event. 

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected this,” said Jodi Miner, Evan’s mother. “For Evan, being included with his peers brings him great joy. It gives me such a peace of mind knowing that he is seen and cared for. That is really all we have ever wanted for him.” 

“The students at Washougal High School care deeply about building a culture of acceptance and strive to create opportunities for greater student understanding and appreciation of the ways that individuals with disabilities can contribute and be part of our school community.” said David Williams, special education teacher at Washougal High School. “By including our students who have disabilities in our general education classrooms, we create opportunities for greater student understanding and appreciation of the ways that individuals with disabilities can contribute and be part of our school community.” 

This is one important milestone as Evan and Suzanne begin their senior year of high school. The students’ families express gratitude for the love and inclusion that their students have experienced in Washougal School District. “This act of kindness sets the Washougal High School student body apart from others their age, and will hopefully remain in their hearts for many years. They were a part of something really beautiful,” said Jodi Miner.

Information provided by Washougal School District.