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Special Needs Student Named Homecoming Queen

GRASS VALLEY (CBS13) - Wearing her sash and tiara, Rachel Bristol shyly smiles for the cameras.

Student advisors and teachers at Nevada Union High School nominate the homecoming court -- and Rachel, a special needs student, got the nod from one of the school's cheerleaders.

"I came up with her name, but it was all the cheerleaders together who got to vote for her, and we thought she'd be perfect for it with how everyone who loves her," senior Danielle Ruckman.

Helping Rachel with school work is how Danielle learned the special needs student was destined for the honor.

"I spend most of my time with her tutoring her, and I see how happy she is and I call her a princess and I thought it would be perfect," she said.

Rachel beat out more than 100 students to win the coveted crown.

Her king, Zach Taylor, is very active in the school's drama department but was surprised he took home the title. As a true gentleman, he adores his queen..

"It made me feel good about myself," he said. "It was just an honor being king with Rachel. She's an awesome queen. She makes me smile and brightens up my day every time I see her."

Their classmates say the two embody their school's ideals: truth, liberty and toleration.

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