Derby: Small City, Big Heart


On May 28, Derby High School held their senior prom, an event that most remember into their golden years. 

I believe I still talk about my senior prom today — and it’s been over 40 years. We reminisce on who was voted most successful, who was the boy and girl voted best looking, who was most popular and the most important nomination: Who was voted as King” and Queen” of the senior prom.

Well, this year the King” of the senior prom went to David Bussell, a senior at Derby High School who is a special needs student. 

David’s spirit and his zest for life are monumental. He lives each day to its fullest emitting nothing but kindness, compassion, friendship and the willingness to help any of his best friends. 

For David, that was the entire senior class. 

Although David may have some deficiencies to contend with, he has absolutely no difficulty lighting up a room with his smile, his enthusiasm and his vibrant personality. For David’s classmates, he was not a special needs student — he was one of the guys. 

David was never singled out or pushed aside because he was a special needs student. This puts a smile on my face.

He was loved by all his fellow senior students and he always had a kind word to say about all of his classmates. 

For David, he will always hold special memories of his years at Derby High School and he will never forget the kindness and thoughtfulness that his fellow classmates expressed to him. Although David may forget some events of his high school years in the future, I don’t think he will ever forget that his classmates voted him King of his senior prom.

I have a nephew attending Derby High at the present time, another nephew who graduated this year, and I have a granddaughter that will be attending Derby High School in another year. 

I hope all the special qualities and kindness that was expressed by the Derby Senior Class of 2010, is passed down to other students that will be attending Derby High in the future.

Derby High School Seniors, Class of 2010, you did me proud!

The writer is a Derby resident.

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