Today is Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007; Karen's Korner #1172

Yesterday Dorothy Riekens made me aware of a "positive news" daily email. Each day subscirbers can receive a 'good news' article on their computers. I know nothing about this web site except this one article. If you would like to check it out for yourself or subscribe, go to  www.Gimundo.com :
 
The October 18 edition talked about how a dying boy was crowned his school's homecoming king.
 
Five senior football players from Lake Fenton High School in Michigan were nominated for the honor of being in the court with one being voted on as the school's king. They made the decision among them that the title was most deserved by 15-year-ol Eli Florence, who had been on the team but couldn't continue due to leukemia. The students had just learned that Eli had only a few weeks left to live.

According to the news story, "on October 4th, the day of the dance, the homecoming king candidates announced in the school cafeteria that they were stepping down to honor Eli with the crown. The entire crowd of 538 students erupted in applause. Everyone was in agreement: No one deserved the award more than this brave young man."

"Eli has become an icon for strength and perseverance and character for this entire community, and especially our student body," the school principal, John Spicko, told ESPN.

At the homecoming dance that night, Eli's friend guided him into the ballroom just in time to hear the P.A. announcement: "Your 2007 king, as designated by the five candidates is … is Eli Florence." They young man was stunned and elated. He'd had no idea that he would be chosen. As he stood to pose beside the homecoming queen, and the crown was placed upon his head, the 2,000 students and faculty at the dance stood and cheered for him, their faces  wet with tears at the sight of Eli's radiant smile.

Sadly, Eli succumbed to his disease not long after the homecoming dance – he passed away peacefully at home on October 14th. But one thing's for sure: He couldn't have gotten a more amazing send-off.

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