Homecoming day one to remember for local boy

PORT SAINT LUCIE, Fla. (WSVN) -- It's homecoming football at Centennial High School in Port St. Lucie, and watching from the stands is senior Hakam Daley.

The 21-year-old has cerebral palsy. His caretaker, a football coach, helps him get through each day, even carrying his book bag at school. "Going through a crowded hallway can be tough," said the coach.

His challenges are many, and extend well beyond the physical. Put up for adoption, Hakam has been in and out of foster homes most of his life, but one thing he does have is a big smile and a spirit that his friends find simply inspiring.

That's why they nominated him to be homecoming king. "When I heard the message," said Daley, "I had no words to describe, I was so happy."

One of his friends is a senior cheerleader and secretly rallied up their class, getting them to put his name on the homecoming court. "It just shows how we can come together," said Kayla Donohue, "and make a special person have a special moment he'll remember for the rest of his life."

When the big night arrived, Hakam lined up with the other nominees. He rolled his wheelchair out onto the field and right next to the football stars and cheerleaders. "I feel nervous," said Hakam, "very nervous. It's gonna be exciting. I know that God is with me."

As they called his name, he had a surprise for everyone in the crowd. Hakam took his first steps, walking publicly for the very first time.

When they announced who would be crowned king, his friends had a surprise for him too. "He's a great guy," said Chris Holman. "He deserves this more than anybody I know. I'm so proud."

This is the pinnacle of high school life: the homecoming king surrounded by cheerleaders and flashing cameras, making Hakam Daily the most popular kid at his high school.

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