By Kay S. Pedrotti
Xenya Velasco, the young woman who received the most votes for prom queen at Lamar County high school, abdicated the throne almost immediately – she gave the crown to her friend Ashlie Sweatman. “I just felt it was the right thing to do,” Velasco said. “I didn’t need that crown and I knew Ashlie would love it. She’s a special person and she worked hard to campaign for prom queen.”

High school principal Derick Austin (center) says Lamar County students are the best, witnessed by Xenya Velasco’s selfless act at this year’s prom. Xenya (right) was elected prom queen, but immediately gave the crown to her friend Ashlie Sweatman (left). The two are great friends; each describes the other as “awesome.”
Let's remember to look at our good young folks with appreciation and love. Too often the troublemakers get all the attention.