Life
Twin brother and sister receive Homecoming crowns together
Ellie was over the moon when her autistic brother was named Homecoming king. Yet, she had no idea they'd be sharing the special moment together.
Caryl Jane Espiritu
04.12.22

Riley and Ellie Fogarty are fraternal twins. They have been best friends since birth and their bond as siblings is definitely incredible.

YouTube - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube - CBS Evening News

Riley is quite special. He has autism, but this did not stop his bright and infectious personality from shining through. He is a senior at Bismarck High School and is also the biggest booster of the school’s football team.

His twin sister, Ellie, is his number one fan and cheerleader.

“Riley and I have been pretty much besties from the get-go,” she said. “I think Riley has taught everyone a lot about acceptance, and he’s taught people how to see beyond differences,” the teen shared further in an interview with CBS News.

YouTube - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube - CBS Evening News

Riley may have special needs, but the way he connected with everyone is such a joy to see.

During games, Riley would immediately make the crowd roar as he entered the field. His big smile and happy character make the people around him feel cheerful whenever he is around. Ellie is one of them, and she is very proud of her brother.

During one particular game, another proud and unforgettable moment unfolded and left the twins quite overjoyed.

YouTube - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube - CBS Evening News

Riley entered the field with the school flag in his arm as he energetically walked down the bleachers with his sister. A few moments later, the two of them were on the tracks waiting for the game to begin.

That was the moment when the announcer broadcasted that year’s Homecoming king. And it was none other than Riley!

YouTube - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube - CBS Evening News

The other students rushed in to place the crown on top of Riley’s head. His sister was evidently stunned and could not keep her jaw from dropping as her brother got the crown and put his arms up to show his achievement. She was genuinely shocked but pleasantly surprised.

“When they called his name, I just lost it,” she said. “I freaked out, and I was so ecstatic.”

Their classmates were also happy about the turn of events.

“They said it would just be awesome to see him so happy,” Ellie recalled her classmates say.

YouTube - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube - CBS Evening News

Riley could not help but chime in when his sister said that.

“Yeah, they said it would be awesome,” he added.

When Ellie asked her brother if any of their classmates tell him how they felt, the teen responded with “Felt good.” However, the incredible moment did not end with Riley taking home the crown.

YouTube - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube - CBS Evening News

After a few moments, Ellie was quite surprised when she, too, heard her name being announced as the Homecoming queen! Wow!

The teen girl could not believe her ears. She was totally caught off-guard. She was happy that her brother got the title, but she was doubly pleased to know that they were sharing the achievement together.

YouTube - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube - CBS Evening News

“I was looking around, everyone was looking at me and cheering,” Ellie told CBS News. “And then I feel the crown on my head, and I was like, ‘oh, my gosh. I just won.’”

Ellie and Riley have totally won over the hearts of many. Their sweet bond and sibling love are truly inspiring.

YouTube - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube - CBS Evening News

Witness their winning moment by watching the video below!

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