She Said YES!

Dancing at the fifth annual Marion County Southside Storm Spring Banquet on April 8th wasn’t the only dancing Joseph Copass-Israels had on his mind while attending the banquet. After opening remarks, Joseph and his mom recited the Special Olympics Athlete Oath. Then Joseph called fellow athlete, Rikki Ellis, up to the front of the room to ask her a special question.

As Joseph presented Rikki with a bouquet of flowers and a giant custom-made card, he asked the big question, “Rikki, will you go to the prom with me?”   Without hesitation, Rikki said yes and both athletes sealed the deal with a big hug.

 Joseph and Rikki attend Franklin Central High School and will be the first special needs couple  in the school’s history to attend the Junior-Senior Prom.