They say “…the true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is looking.” This means that you are truly yourself when you are left to your own devices, without being under anyone’s watchful gaze or influence. It’s about making up your own mind about what you want to do, good or bad, that becomes a reflection of who you are.
When 17-year old Daniel Rivas with Down Syndrome wanted to attend his high school’s homecoming dance, he asked to go with a date except he didn’t get one. He was rejected after reaching out to one particular girl. But, all of that changed when his classmate Kylie Fronius heard about what happened and then asked him to be her date! It was a simple, kind-hearted gesture. Just a friend going to the dance with another friend, but their story picked up steam—fast.
News like this travels quickly and before the two teens knew it, the Las Vegas Fox5 Surprise Squad was knocking at each one of their doors to cover the story and give them the biggest surprise of their lives. “I don’t think of kids that have disabilities as being different,” Kylie told Fox5 Las Vegas. “I think of them just being a normal person learning in a different way.”
Daniel’s mom who absolutely beside herself when she first heard the amazing news. “It’s not about that Daniel has a disability,” she said. “It’s Kylie [who] didn’t see any disability. That is what your heart wants as a mom.”
Monica Jackson, the host of the Fox5 Surprise Squad, planned one fabulous surprise after the other to make the night one they would never forget, and it started with a ride in a sparkling Rolls Royce. Before the dance, they got to have a fancy dinner at a bistro where the chef personally came out to greet them. Daniel’s mom, Tonya, breaks down, confessing she’s never been able to afford to take her family to eat there, which makes this surprise dinner so much more meaningful.
Kylie and Daniel carry on their night to the casino where their homecoming was being held, only to roll up to a red carpet just for them.
This is only the beginning of an incredible night that has many more delightful surprises and pieces of good news for the two friends. The Fox5 Surprise Squad spared no expense showering these two teens, rewarding Kylie for her kindness and supporting Daniel on his next steps.
Click the video below to watch all the excitement. These two teens will always have this to look back to forever!
