One of the most special days in a high schooler's life or a college student's life is the day of Homecoming. The welcoming back of the former students and the existing ones to celebrate the organization's existence is a lifetime of an opportunity that everyone is excited about. The school- the sole institution where one experiences almost all emotions, right from being happy and joyous to sadness, hatred, competitive spirit and finally when you come back to that institution as an alumnus, it's no longer a building but the place where you have your heart and soul. The moment is nostalgic.
This story is from Keller, Texas where at the Homecoming, the student who was crowned as the Homecoming King gave over his crown to someone else for a totally unbelievable reason. It came as a shock to all the students present in the event. The crown is prestige and giving it to someone else was something no one would ever want to do. Why did he do so?
Homecoming is the event that all the students look up to in their lives. This is celebrated on a grand scale and often organized around a dance setting and most often around the game of American Football. One such ceremony took place in September 2016, in Texas. However, it did not end as it was supposed to.
In the football field, the students march and perform a band in honor of their school. Yet, the most exciting part of this entire celebration is when in the half-time in the football game, a presentation takes place where the Homecoming King and Queen are crowned. Max Akin was the one announced as the King at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Worth, Texas.
Max Akin was the heart-throb at his school. He was one of the most popular faces in the school and there was not even a single student who didn't know this man. He was the football team's quarterback, known for his exceptional game on the field. But this wasn't all. He was a man of good character and a big heart. But, that day at homecoming everything changed.
After so many qualities being associated with Max's name, it was expected that the students would be nominating him for the award of "Homecoming King". And exactly the same happened. Yet, at the same moment, the unexpected also happened. He gave away his crown. But why? Everyone wanted to know the reason behind this shocking move of his.
Max was excited about his homecoming. He was eager for it. He even prepared a speech for this day. Not only the ceremony but also the school football match was something he was looking forward to enjoying, probably for the last time that night.
That night in the Ridge School's field everything was going just perfect. The homecoming was a lavish affair with the crowning of the king and queen. When everyone was waiting to hear the most awaited acceptance speech from Akin, his words just left the audience perplexed.
Being awarded the "homecoming-king" title is a big achievement in any student's life. Nearly every student dreams of holding this honorable title. When it was so prestigious, why would Max Akin-the most appropriate choice, the ideal one, even think about giving it away? It was that what left everyone amazed.
Max had a classmate named K.L Norwood. He and Max have been together since the elementary school but were just like any other classmates. They never developed the bond of friendship. But as they grew older, the senior high school made these just two classmates into really good friends.
One of the driving forces which brought these two friends really close was their passion for the game of football. In one of their interviews, they even said, " These past few years, though, we’ve gotten the closest,” Well, what did it have to do with homecoming anyway?
While Akin was the quarterback for the football team, K.L would serve as an equipment manager. It was their teamwork which made their school team and game strong. Their coach Tony Baccarini said, “They love each other, and that’s why we’re successful.”
Norwood was even a tough competition to Max. Not only was Max nominated, but also did the students even suggest Norwood's name for the Homecoming King title. If one hears what he wished for, one would be surprised.
Unlike Max, Norwood was desperate to win this glorious and prestigious title. And when Max Akin was awarded this one, he somewhere felt a little crushed. But as it was his friend winning, he couldn't do anything but smile. Yet, even he was shocked when Max decided to give away this possession.
That night all the nominees walked into the field in style. The batchmates, the alumni, the staff everyone had their eyes glued on them. People cheered for them and they took their respective positions at the corner of the football field. And then the announcement was made.
It was the time to announce the Homecoming King and Queen for the session, and Norwood was all ears to it. Unfortunately, as "Max Akin" was crowned the King, his heart sank and he stood in the corner and just applauded.
It won't be wrong to say that Norwood was desperate to get this award. All his school life, he wanted this title. On the night of homecoming, he was even dressed in the best of the attires while Max did not even have the chance to change his football team jersey before finally accepting the award. It was a heart-breaking moment for him.
After accepting the award, Max got himself clicked with the girl who was awarded the Homecoming Queen. It was a moment everyone wanted to capture and keep as a memory in high school's record. But, just after this, he started looking for someone in the crowd.
After moving his eyes in all the directions possible, he finally found what he was searching for. He was looking for Norwood in the entire ceremony. His friend, a companion, a competition and most importantly an integral part of the Ridge's football team.
Max came towards Norwood. One could see how happy he was to be honored this title. But the very next second, Max went on his knee in front of his friend. K.L couldn't understand what was happening. But soon only everything started to make sense.
Max told in an interview, “When I was announced, I was in complete and utter shock, Of course, I was honored and everything.” But still, somewhere he felt that he wasn't the one who completely deserve this honor. He immediately takes off the crown and reaches out to his friend Norwood.
K.L was completely shocked when Max went on one knee and handed over the homecoming king crown to him with all due respect. To Norwood, being the manager of a team and even to be announced as one of the nominees of homecoming king was a big deal. And this gesture of Max blew him away.
Akin knew that Norwood wanted this crown more than anything. And in eyes of Akin, K.L. was the one who truly deserved this as he had worked selflessly for the honor of the football team and the high school. And the entire crowd started shouting "Norwood, Norwood".
The gesture with which Akin handed over his crown to his dearest friend caught all eyes. The school's photographer and social media handlers covered it all. K.L recalls that "Akin came and hugged me tightly. He even said I Love You, before handing me the crown".
Just when everyone was chanting Norwood's name, none really knew the story behind this man. Everyone thought that it was Akin's gesture and big heart that he did so. But soon only everyone realized why Max felt that K.L deserved it more. Norwood was battling cerebral palsy.
Since childhood K.L had been battling with life. He was born as a premature baby, three months prior to his actual anticipated birthdate. He was diagnosed with feet-first birth which eventually leads to a bleeding brain. He had to be immediately operated. Needless to say, he was struggling with life.
After much medications, Norwood was able to conquer the disease, though partially. Since then he has given his best shot to life by being a socializer, a manager, a friendly being who would be known for his work and not because of his disease.
Akin said, “I don’t see K.L. as a disabled person, I see him as a great human being. And, as a homecoming king, you should really be able to make people happy and give good vibes all over the room, and K.L. never fails at doing that.” Thus, to Akin, K.L was the true king.
Not only was Akin fond of Norwood's gratefulness but also was the football coach. He said, “He treats everyone with due respect, which is why he gets along with everyone… He’s just a great spirit,”. Moreover, he even told that K.L was so selfless that he even did not submit a video to become a homecoming king. He wanted to give others a chance. That's just too good of him.
Akin's and K.L's friendship and love for each other caught the eyes of the famous celebrity Ellen DeGeneres, who invited them at her talk show. She was moved with the strength and emotional bond these friends shared. On this show, Akin said something which was equally great of him.
On the show, Akin made clear that while many people might think that he gave him the crown because he was specially-abled, but that wasn't the case. Since the day the homecoming King nominees were announced, Akin knew that it was K.L who truly deserved the title.
Ellen had never witnessed an act of such kindness and friendship this pure. She was touched by these high schoolers understanding of relationships. As a sweet gesture, she gave both of them a cheque of $10,000 each. To her, very few people are as beautiful as they both were.