'Why not make someone else happy?' Meet the selfless prom queen who gave up her crown to special needs cheerleader

By Annabel Fenwick Elliott

PUBLISHED: 17:20 EST, 21 March 2014 | UPDATED: 17:20 EST, 21 March 2014

Most young prom queens will treasure their crown with great relish for the rest of their lives.

Not 16-year-old high school junior, Kendra Muller, from Utah, who won the accolade on Saturday and then, three days later, handed her sash, tiara and title to the runner-up of the contest, Amanda Belnap - who is in a class for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

'I was, of course, honored and happy, but I really felt like Amanda would be even more happy and honored to get it', Miss Muller, who is herself paralyzed from the waist down, told ABC News.

Scroll down for video

Inspiration: 16-year-old high school junior Kendra Muller, pictured, touched souls when she gave her prom queen title to the runner-up, special needs student Amanda Belnap

Inspiration: 16-year-old high school junior Kendra Muller, pictured, touched souls when she gave her prom queen title to the runner-up, special needs student Amanda Belnap

'If it's in my power to make someone happy - then why not make someone happy?' she added.

 

More...

The selfless beauty - who although in the same year at school, hadn't even been introduced to Miss Belnap until the prom - apparently walked into her class in front of her peers and teachers and said: 'I thought that Amanda really deserves this honor.'

A delighted Miss Belnap, who is a cheerleader at the school, told ABC: 'I was really happy. And she gave me a cute note and it was really good inside.'


Beaming: Before the prom, the two girls had never even been introduced. Miss Muller, right, said she just thought Miss Belnap, left, 'deserved' the title more

Beaming: Before the prom, the two girls had never even been introduced. Miss Muller, right, said she just thought Miss Belnap, left, 'deserved' the title more

Honored: Miss Belnap, pictured, said she was 'very happy' with her new title, which came with a 'special note' from Miss Muller

Honored: Miss Belnap, pictured, said she was 'very happy' with her new title, which came with a 'special note' from Miss Muller

According to Riverton High School's principal, Carolyn Gough, the ecstatic cheerleader has been wearing her new tiara and sash around school with 'a grin from ear to ear'.

'How can you see this as anything else but just the most generous character in a student,' Ms Gough said of Miss Muller's heart-warming gesture.

Belle of the ball: Ms Belcamp, pictured here as a runner-up at Saturday's prom

Belle of the ball: Ms Belcamp, pictured here as a runner-up at Saturday's prom

'Especially for a student who genuinely deserved it herself.'

Miss Muller was paralyzed three years ago in a freak accident when a hammock she was in with her friends collapsed, and has been in a wheelchair since.

According to a KSL report in 2012, the brave student was once a keen runner and soccer player who 'set a fast pace for fun with her friends', but has refused to let the tragic accident dampen her spirit.

'I learned not to take what you have for granted, because it can all change,' she told KSL.

'Some people always have it worse off than you.'

Perhaps the woman most overcome by Miss Muller's donation this week was her recipient's mother, Mellani Belnap.

'As a mom that was really touching, that someone of Kendra's age would give that title up', she said tearfully.

'She really knows what life is about - to truly serve someone else.'


Comments (34)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

the world needs more people like kendra muller. this is what life is about folks.

1
22
 Click to rate

This is a great story! Kendra was raised well. Amanda looks so happy having been crowned.

1
26
 Click to rate

This story touched me deeply. I was touched Miss Muller gave up her title/crown, etc to Miss Belnap, but to find out Miss Muller is also disabled, albeit physically, was something I didn't expect. They both are inspirational people and beautiful, too. I hope others can learn from their example.

2
37
 Click to rate

what is this, mean girls all over again?

31
2
 Click to rate

Get a grip! Mind you someone who has Cara Delevigne as a profile pic clearly has distorted view of what a role model should be!

0
2
 Click to rate

GREAT STORY ! Well done Kendra and Amanda. Congratulations and best wishes.

1
26
 Click to rate

Yes, more of this!

2
26
 Click to rate

Well done DM! You tell us that she's paralyzed, even describe the accident, then you say this, "The selfless beauty... apparently WALKED into her class in front of her peers and teachers and said: 'I thought that Amanda really deserves this honor.' "

11
31
 Click to rate

Wow..

2
25
 Click to rate

Wow..

2
20
 Click to rate

Wow..

2
15
 Click to rate

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now