Senior Rachel Sunne has many limitations. Her classmates, however, looked beyond them when selecting this year’s homecoming queen.

Rachel is unable to speak without the assistance of her iPad. She has been diagnosed with significant intellectual and physical disabilities that don’t allow her to do most daily routine activities on her own. However, at the homecoming coronation, held Sept. 22, onlookers cried tears of joy when Rachel was crowned homecoming queen.

“Getting Rachel on court was the talk around the school,” said senior Kenna Coates, who agonized over waiting to hear if the senior class had actually worked together to get Rachel on court.

When the homecoming court was announced over the intercom, silence filled the school until the name Rachel Sunne was announced.

“I couldn’t believe it. I knew her class loved Rachel,” said Julie Sunne (mother of Rachel).

Homecoming court is voted on by the senior class. According to Coates, the students chosen for court are the most well-known, kind, and likeable members of the senior class. Coates feels Rachel fit perfectly.

“She has always been the sweetest girl to everyone, and I think she was the perfect person to represent our class,” said Coates.

Not only were Sunne’s classmates touched by her crowning, her family was also overwhelmed with happiness as hugs and “hi’s” were given after coronation.

Joey Sunne (10), Rachel’s younger brother, described it as “the coolest thing ever that the school honored her.”

The excitement didn’t end when Rachel left the school. Family members were texted instantly and Sunne celebrated at home by going out to eat with family and her close friend Shelby DeSotel (11).

“Rachel wore her crown for around three to four days,” said Joey. “She yelled a lot and hugged everyone. She loves everyone, and even if they don’t like her, she somehow makes them.”

Julie was pleased to see how much Rachel’s classmates appreciated her and all she has to offer. “That was the special part. The culture ties our worth so tightly to our abilities, what we can accomplish,” Julie said. “The students at West Delaware have discovered the value of just being who you were created to be.”