TITUSVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – For any teenage boy, being crowned prom king is a big deal. It’s one of those moments that you’ll remember forever, a highlight of your high school days. For Alex Joyce, a senior at Titusville High School, it’s a moment that he never thought he’d see.
Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the 19-year-old hasn’t been able to walk for the last nine years. Last weekend, the smiling teenager who said he was “surprised and excited they (classmates) voted for me” was crowned prom king.
As the crowd clapped and cheered, Alex Joyce sat on the stage in front of his fellow classmates with pure joy emanating from his smile. The feeling of pride and compassion filled the Hawaiian-themed gymnasium, as Alex and prom queen, Morgan Estok, stole the spotlight on the dance floor savoring one of the sweetest moments of their senior year.
Instead of letting his disability hold him back, Alex, with a giant grin, proudly enjoyed his extra special night with his friends, classmates, school faculty, and family.
Alex’s parents said they were touched by the honor given to their son last weekend and proud of the students who voted for him.
“We are so proud of Alex and his classmates. They made a great memory for him. We would like to thank Alexandra Rybczyk, Alex’s escort, and everyone at Titusville High School for accommodating to Alex’s needs,” said his parents Krystal Lehman and Bob Joyce, both of Titusville.
Hannah Leamer, a teacher at Titusville High School and Junior Class/Prom Coordinator, said the election was a source of satisfaction for the whole school and that Alex and Morgan got the honors they deserved.
“I have only had the pleasure to know Alex for the past two years, since I moved to the Titusville area. As soon as I met him, it was clear that he was a bright, enthusiastic, happy student, with a great taste in a professional hockey team (Penguins), who would never let a disability or diagnosis get him down or make him different,” said Leamer.