GLEN ALLEN, Va. (WRIC) — Friday was an unforgettable night for one Henrico senior.
17-year-old Patrick Lanzi, who has Down Syndrome, was crowned homecoming king at Glen Allen High School.
The crowd erupted as Lanzi was crowned. Wearing his signature glasses, a necktie and an infectious smile, it was hugs all around.
“Patrick is the most optimistic, happy person,” said Caroline Sindelar, who was crowned homecoming queen. “There’s no one else here who deserves it more; he’s an amazing person. He just brightens everyone’s day at Glen Allen, always.”
Anything but shy, Patrick is easily one of the most well-known students at his school.
“Patrick is a fun-loving guy; he loves to dance. He’s not afraid of anything,” said friend Chris Winston.
Standing at the center of high school royalty, he fits right in, despite the challenges he faces.
“We have fun,” Patrick said of his classmates. “Best family ever!”
Weeks ago, his friends spread the word online to vote Patrick onto homecoming court.
Ask anyone who knows him, and you will hear how much he loves his friends.
Now crowned king, Patrick knows just how much they love him back.
“I love my friends. She’s a nice girl,” he said of Sindelar after he and she were crowned. “I’m just so happy to be on homecoming court.”
