Prom night is a highlight for most high school students, but for Coeur d'Alene High seniors Gayle Frechette and Taylor Tarr it was extra special.

Frechette, 19, and Tarr, 18, both special needs students, were crowned king and queen of the CHS prom held Saturday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

"I was just spilling joy," Tarr said. "They accept us, and we have disabilities."

Frechette and Tarr, who have attended classes together in Coeur d'Alene since they were in elementary school, learned just how well-liked they are by the rest of the CHS senior class.

Tarr noted that the prom king and queen are "traditionally the jock and the cheerleader."

"I was so happy. It was very nice," Frechette said.

Kylie Rasmussen, senior class president, said she and other students were struck by Frechette's happiness about being part of the upcoming event.

"I talked to Gayle before prom a few times and she was so excited to be going with Taylor, so excited to go," Rasmussen said.

Clare Dumont, senior class representative, recalled listening to Frechette talk about buying prom tickets.

"It was so cute," Dumont said.

This year's CHS prom had a vintage Hollywood theme. It was attended by more than 250 students who were asked to vote for the king and queen.

Before the big night, Rasmussen said, the students briefly discussed naming Frechette and Tarr for the honor.

"Then at prom, it was like 'Oh my gosh, guys, why doesn't everyone just write down Gayle and Taylor's names? It would be so cute and so fun,'" Rasmussen said. "Then it ended up happening, so I was really excited."

Frechette's mother, Maureen, wonders if the high school students realize the importance of their action.

"This is something my daughter and her friend will remember for the rest of their lives," Maureen said.

But that type of thoughtful, generous behavior is not uncommon at CHS, Maureen said. The students often include Frechette and Tarr in their activities.

There is a club at school called Vikings United and at least once a month it does something fun with the special needs kids, like take them to the movies, without parents.

"They can't just go to the mall like other kids can, so to be involved with their peers like that is so important," Maureen said.

And the students do it without feeling sorry for her daughter and their other special needs peers, she said.

"They're wonderful, wonderful kids," Maureen said. "I think that says a lot for their parents, too. I just hope they are totally blessed beyond measure."