A Tampa student is inspiring his school and the community after he was crowned Jefferson High School's homecoming king.

  • Wheelchair-bound student at Jefferson High in Tampa named homecoming king
  • Christian Garcia, a senior, crowned Friday night during football game
  • School's principal tweeted out the news

Christian Garcia, a senior at Jefferson, is a student with special needs.

Although Garcia is wheelchair bound, he wanted to walk across the football field last Friday night as the homecoming court finalists were presented. He enlisted the help of two football players to make his dream happen.

The players practiced in Garcia's classroom on Friday, making sure he was comfortable for the homecoming game later that day. They walked back and forth across the room. Garcia said it felt good.

But nothing felt better than leading his homecoming court through the presentation at the game Friday.

Jefferson's Principal, Robert Quinn, tweeted out video of the special moment.

Following Friday's inspiring walk across the football field sans wheelchair, Garcia's dream got even sweeter.

He was crowned homecoming king at the dance on Saturday. Judging by the look on his face, Garcia had an unforgettable night.

Garcia (center) has always been a popular student at Jefferson, his teachers say. He also serves as the school's band director.