Students honor classmate as Homecoming Queen

BURLINGTON CO., N.J. (WPVI) -- A wonderful young lady has been named Homecoming Queen.

Seventeen-year-old Isabella Rodriguez is the 2017 Homecoming Queen at Riverside High School in Burlington County.

Bella, as she is known, has high-functioning autism and cranial dysplasia.

But her classmates see beyond that to a young woman who is now a senior. She is a member of the choir and the indoor color-guard.

In fact, it was a group of Bella's classmates that nominated her for Homecoming Queen and campaigned for her.

Bella was presented with her crown at the homecoming game.

When the big announcement was finally made, Isabella was nearly brought to tears.

"I really don't know what to say. It's been really a blessing. I've been through a lot. It's just really a blessing to do this," she said.

Isabella's mother and the rest of her family were there to share the big moment with her.

In fact, her mother Desiree Rodriguez says the family was planning to go out of town for the weekend until the principal called with the big news.

"I love these kids. They did not have to do this," Desiree said.

But Isabella's friends say they did have to it, to give something to the one person who has always given of herself to everyone else.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps