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Special Olympian crowned Hoffman H.S. homecoming king

Amid chants of "A.J.! A.J.!" from his classmates, Hoffman Estates High School special education student A.J. Pilafas was crowned homecoming king Friday afternoon to his amazement and delight.

Joining him as homecoming queen was the school's National Honor Society president, Hannah Greenwalt.

School officials said they were touched by how moved Pilafas was to be named a finalist last week.

Every group and team at the school can nominate someone for homecoming king and queen. Usually there are about 30 to 40 boys and 30 to 40 girls named each year.

After that, a schoolwide vote narrows the field - in this year's case, six. Those homecoming court members were named late last week, before voting began for king and queen.

A drummer in the school band, Pilafas is also a Special Olympian who has won medals in swimming, bowling, track, snowshoeing, bocce and snow skiing.

In his nomination form for homecoming king, Pilafas wrote: "It would mean a lot to me if I was voted king for homecoming. I always try to be friendly to others and be a good example. The king should be an example to others of how they want their school represented. I will try and be the best king ever!"

Pilafas is the son of Hoffman Estates village Trustee Gary Pilafas.

  A. J Pilafas, a special education student at Hoffman Estates High School, celebrates his sweet victory of being selected as homecoming king at a ceremony at the school Friday. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  A. J Pilafas, a special education student at Hoffman Estates High School, celebrates his sweet victory of being selected as homecoming king at a ceremony at the school Friday. Next to him is the queen, Hannah Greenwalt. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  A. J Pilafas, a special education student at Hoffman Estates High School, celebrates his sweet victory of being selected as homecoming king at a ceremony at the school Friday. Next to him is the queen, Hannah Greenwalt. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
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