Willard selects teen with Down syndrome as prom king

A week before prom, Spencer Buttram confided in a friend that he had a secret wish.

He wanted to be prom king.

It did not occur to the popular, outgoing Willard High School senior that some might view him as an unlikely choice.

"We had a prominent doctor in town tell us, when Spencer was born, that he'd never do what his brothers could do. But, we have always encouraged him to try — anything," Sheryl Buttram said of Spencer, the middle of her three sons. "We have never told him that he can't do something. He has to try, and sometimes fail, just like our other kids."

But, when it came to being crowned prom king, he wasn't going to fail. Levi McGinnis, that friend he confided in, wasn't going to let that happen.

"Once I found out it was his dream, I wanted to make his dream come true," said McGinnis, 18, who had been nominated for king. "His smile is more important than mine."

The two were friendly for years but became close a year ago when Spencer became manager for the basketball team on which McGinnis played. Now, they often shoot hoops together.

"We had a friendship in the locker room before the game and after the game," he said. "We really connected."

Spencer was born with the genetic disorder Down syndrome and, despite needing some help, enrolled in mostly regular classes alongside peers without special needs. Over the years, he was part of marching band and choir and participated in many activities — organized by the district — to encourage friendships between students with special needs and others.

"These kids have grown up with him and they see him for who he is," Sheryl Buttram said. "They see him for his abilities, not his disabilities."

She credits being sandwiched between two brothers, one older and one younger, for making Spencer fearless. His other brother, Chance, now 21 and in college, has been an advocate for Spencer while Tristen — a few years younger — kept him on his toes.

"That always pushed him to reach his potential," she said. "He's slow at learning but that doesn't mean he won't get it. It just takes him longer."

Spencer's family decided early on they wouldn't make assumptions or place limitations on what he could accomplish. His mom teaches at Art Inspired Academy, a program of Abilities First, which provides space for children with special needs — and those without disabilities — to explore art, theater, music and dance together.

That program helped Spencer discover a love for creating art. His artwork has been displayed and sold.

"He is an accomplished artist," Sheryl Buttram said. "He loves to draw and paint. Art is his venue. He has taken to it and just run with it. It is really where he excels."

This summer, after graduation, Spencer plans to volunteer at the Art Inspired Academy. He is studying for his driving test and wants to someday live on his own.

Most of Spencer's classmates know all of that. In recent weeks, word of his wish to be prom king quickly spread.

He was selected to be part of the royal prom court, meaning king or not, he'd been in the spotlight on the big night. And, he knew the girl who would be by his side.

Spencer has been dating Laura Owen, 19, of Marshfield, for four years. She also has Down syndrome. They have been to many school dances together and agreed senior prom would be special.

"Prom was a big thing for him," Sheryl Buttram said. "He loves to dress up. If he could wear a tux every day, he would."

The teen, who has modeled for Karl's Tuxedo at shows, convinced his mother to let him go all out for the last dance. Along with a tuxedo and pink vest, he picked out a black top hat and cane.

His date wore an aqua green, tea-length dress and silver sandals that matched the beading along her neckline.

Chauffeured by parents, the couple went out to dinner and then planned to spend the first part of the night at the Marshfield High School prom. As they were leaving to go to the Willard prom, Sheryl Buttram received a text from McGinnis to hurry.

Spencer and Laura Owen arrived at the Willard prom just in time. The voting was over. Candidates for prom king and queen, including Spencer, were told to come up on stage.

McGinnis, who was also up for prom king, was holding his breath and his date, Dylan Owens, was named prom queen.

He exhaled as Spencer unwrapped a rose that revealed he was prom king. Spencer's top hat was replaced with a white crown and the "king" sash was placed across his chest.

"He had the biggest smile on his face. His smile was indescribable," McGinnis said. "His being prom king made my night."

A few minutes later, the newly crowned queen Dylan Owens — who has known Spencer since they were in preschool together — led Spencer to the dance floor.

"I was very happy — just happy," Spencer Buttram said Wednesday. "My dream was to be prom king."

They danced to one song and then Dylan Owens summoned Spencer's girlfriend to join them. Owens then passed her queen bouquet to Spencer's girlfriend.

"She wanted to make it special for her, too," Sheryl Buttram said.