VIDALIA — Vidalia High School 10th-grade student Taylor Fletcher’s name was called Friday, and the crowd in the gym started cheering.

The newest member of the homecoming court walked slowly into the gym, smiling the whole time escorted by fellow students Jamy Loomis and Holden Ferrington.

“I was so nervous before,” she said. “But when I walked out, the nervousness went away.”

“I am so, so, so happy.”

For Fletcher, being named to the homecoming court means more than just a title and a bouquet flowers.

Fletcher is a student with multiple mental and physical disabilities. She has undergone more than 30 surgeries starting when she was just a day old.

“And there will be more to come,” said Janice Coleman, Fletcher’s mom.

Even with the numerous and ongoing health concerns, Fletcher is a force of positivity throughout the school.

“She is a pistol, always cracking jokes,” said Shannon McCalip, Fletcher’s special education teacher. “She always notices and compliments if someone got a new haircut or new shoes.”

Fletcher’s attitude is somewhat contagious at times, Coleman admits.

“Through everything, she just keeps smiling and having a good time,” Coleman said.

“From seniors down to freshman, everyone has embraced her.”

The sophomore vote for homecoming court was close.

All the 10th graders are given a ballot with all the girls’ names on it. After the first vote, there was a three-way tie for first. Fletcher was among them.

“I cried when I heard she was one of the three,” McCalip said. “ I just knew she was going to win.”

And win she did.

“It was so great, I was so happy,” Fletcher said. “But I was happier for my classmates that also won.”