SUBMITTED PHOTO J.J. Kubanscek and Claire Cross. What started out as a way to pay it forward became a movement at Center Grove High School when senior Claire Cross posted a photo of her Best Buddy, J.J. Kubanscek, on social media with the hashtag “JJforPromKing.” A few weeks later he won the title by an overwhelming vote.
But Kubanscek is not a traditional prom king – he has Down syndrome, and he and Claire are not a traditional couple, either. She is his peer tutor at Center Grove.
“Claire interacts well with him,” said Holly Kubanscek, J.J.’s mother. “He doesn't always respond to questions. But that doesn't bother Claire.”
Mrs. Kubanscke was tipped off by J.J.’s teachers that the votes were in his favor, so she was able to be there when he was told that he had won. “The whole room was chanting ‘J.J.,’ ” she said. “It was awesome that the students here would set themselves aside and give him a moment in the sun. I sent an email to the principal telling him that we have faith in the future with these students.”
“He deserved it – to be recognized,” Cross said. “He is just such a sweet kid and such a light to be around. It wasn’t me; it was J.J. and his personality that won. He’s taught me more than I’ve taught him. It was the coolest moment of my life. To see my peers do something so great. He’ll always hold a special place in my heart and now he has a special place in this school.”
But Kubanscek is not a traditional prom king – he has Down syndrome, and he and Claire are not a traditional couple, either. She is his peer tutor at Center Grove.
“Claire interacts well with him,” said Holly Kubanscek, J.J.’s mother. “He doesn't always respond to questions. But that doesn't bother Claire.”
Mrs. Kubanscke was tipped off by J.J.’s teachers that the votes were in his favor, so she was able to be there when he was told that he had won. “The whole room was chanting ‘J.J.,’ ” she said. “It was awesome that the students here would set themselves aside and give him a moment in the sun. I sent an email to the principal telling him that we have faith in the future with these students.”
“He deserved it – to be recognized,” Cross said. “He is just such a sweet kid and such a light to be around. It wasn’t me; it was J.J. and his personality that won. He’s taught me more than I’ve taught him. It was the coolest moment of my life. To see my peers do something so great. He’ll always hold a special place in my heart and now he has a special place in this school.”
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