Acts of Kindness
Jock makes headlines when he asks teen with disability to prom giving her night she won’t forget
When Brendan was deciding on who to invite to prom, he chose a girl by the name of Ellie McCool with a disability.
Catherine Marucci
04.16.21

Brendan Ritchie is a good student. He’s also an athlete and a member of the cross-country team at his school. But most importantly, he’s an amazing friend. When deciding who to bring to prom, he wasn’t basing his choice on who was the most popular. He based it on something a whole lot more genuine – friendship.

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KSDK via YouTube
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KSDK via YouTube

That’s how a prom that will never be forgotten came to be.

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Ellie McCool via Facebook
Source:
Ellie McCool via Facebook

A group of friends

Several students at the Fort Zumwalt West High School have been spending their lunchtime together at the same table for the past few years. They’re just a happy mix of kids who have grown to like each other over those years. Among them is Ellie McCool.


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KSDK via YouTube
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KSDK via YouTube

About Ellie

Ellie was born with a severe rare brain disorder called Rett syndrome that only affects girls. Her mom says that she was like any other toddler until she turned about four years old, then something just changed. Part of her seemed like it had simply shut down.

Mickie McCool knew her same bright and happy daughter was in there, but the disability made it more difficult for Ellie to express herself, especially verbally.

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Ellie McCool via Facebook
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Ellie McCool via Facebook

A part of the group

That never stopped the group of friends at school from including Ellie. Her best friend, Nicole Olf, says that despite her not speaking, Ellie is bright, friendly, and caring. She always seems to have a positive attitude and a smile on her face. Who wouldn’t want someone with those qualities at their lunch table? Who wouldn’t want them as a friend?

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Ellie McCool via Facebook
Source:
Ellie McCool via Facebook

A date to the prom

It only made sense to offer Ellie the same kindness and caring that she had shown to them over the years. That is what made Brendan’s choice so easy. He knew exactly who he needed to invite to the prom.

Brendan was aware that Ellie’s favorite movie was Iron Man, so he decided to dress up as Iron Man, complete with the mask and a sign, and ask Ellie to the prom in front of the entire cafeteria.

Everyone loved it, including Ellie.


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KSDK via YouTube
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KSDK via YouTube

Of course, she agreed to go to the prom with him. Just about every girl dreams about going to the prom, and Ellie was no exception. That she would get to have this moment was incredible. Her mom was happy for her and her friends were happy for her; everyone was blown away by the invitation to the prom.

They all knew that she deserved this special moment in her life, this memory that would last a lifetime.


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KSDK via YouTube
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KSDK via YouTube

Prom night

By prom night, Ellie was fully prepared. She was dressed for the occasion and ready to go when Brendan arrived.

Their friends from the lunch table were all there for prom night as well. They spent the evening together, took pictures, danced, and made the most of a shared and wonderful moment that would become a memorable part of their high school experience for this amazing group of teens.


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KSDK via YouTube
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KSDK via YouTube

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