Pasadena school names blind student homecoming 'duke'

PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- A Pasadena special needs student makes history when his freshman class honors him on the homecoming court.

Kenneth Dial, 14, is the first blind student at Pasadena Memorial High School to be elected to the homecoming court. Out of 764 freshmen, he was the male nominee for "Duke."

"That's huge," explained Tish Eubanks, 9th Grade Assistant Principal.

Dial - who was born premature, blind and partially hearing impaired - beamed during practice for the homecoming court presentation. While his cane highlights his disability, Eubanks says it certainly wasn't when his classmates chose him.

"It didn't say on the ballot that he was blind, it just said his name. The kids know him and respect him and the kids recognize courage," said Eubanks.

Dial was a little nervous to accept the honor initially, but now embraces it. He and the rest of the court were recognized during halftime of the football game against South Houston. Dial wore a dress shirt, tie, dress shoes and a mum on his arm. He was escorted by two young ladies nominated as "Duchesses."

"I feel like this is awesome. I feel like this is the best day ever," Dial smiled as he summed up the experience.