The unlikely story of how best friends became prom dates

At Mountain Heritage High School in Burnsville, North Carolina, Rachel Newberry caught Ben Robinson completely off guard. Ben, who has Downs syndrome, had no idea Rachel was going to ask him to senior prom. Friends since the age of 4, Rachel didn't even know Ben had Downs syndrome. After their promposal video went viral, Rachel noticed the signs, but it never changed their friendship. Steve Hartman reports.
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[@BigHossChris]

Guess nobody is going to talk about how my man dropped into a split. What a G

[@madisonbennett1593]

Chris Reeves ik I thought the same thing 😂

[@Eleazarsc]

I laughed so hard when he did that. What a gem!

[@squigglypods8485]

Absolute MADLAD!

[@Salman.khan786]

Facts!

[@YoungboiG19]

This kid is a legend

[@austinmorton9759]

The fact that they've been friends since they were just toddler's is what makes it even more sweet. You can really tell that she genuinely loves him

[@YehoshuaD]

Rachael is a cutie and that kid is actually a good dancer...

[@o.o3695]

YehoshuaD IKR I can’t do a single split.

[@mathboss1638]

that split was fire

[@devoncooper2018]

That my boy Ben

[@alkalinemk1588]

Wow no kidding

[@justinoiler9749]

@@o.o3695 Misty is a cutie and that kid is actually a good dancer Justin pullin

[@hughjanus9136]

He came to prom looking pimpish with a beautiful girl on his arm then slayed the dance floor, you go Ben!

[@hmrhuang]

Just a real, genuine friendship -- nothing hokey or flaky about it!

[@alburritox4475]

Yo take me back

[@smokindauberdoo4204]

Rachael is just real

[@auntjemimasyrup2600]

@First Last Why?

[@auntjemimasyrup2600]

@First Last no meant why is sje fake

[@mombueno884]

@First Last how is she fake

[@p3nk912]

@First Last *lmao what?*

[@triciapadua2103]

@First Last she's not doing this for fame

[@robertelee6373]

She's very pretty!

[@okkkikk]

Robert E Lee well u cant have her!

[@catherineblack6424]

She is

[@harukaotakugirl2436]

She kinda looks like TS

[@paradoxzippy6587]

Yes

[@doloresramirez5734]

Love you're elephant I think you will know what I mean not to get in politics.

[@Shiro144_X]

Smile more my dude! Smile more!

[@exoticcar5482]

You talking about Ben? It's a thing for people with Down Syndrome as an intellectual disability to not express feelings the same way others do

[@soysauce5036]

His smile is really cute fr I’m not even Joking

[@clashercode8455]

Yeah!

[@paulmcdonough1093]

idiot alert there

[@tomislavpoje2159]

Aww and people say a boy and girl can't be best friends.

[@sugaswifeu9362]

Tomislav Poje three of my best friends are boys

[@tomislavpoje2159]

MaryKate Callaghan a lot of people make a joke about boy and girl being best friends

[@xenaprincess44]

Yeah all of my best friends are boys except for one who is a girl

[@xenaprincess44]

@@marykatecallaghan8527 my mom, my dad, my classmates at school

[@roary1250]

My best friend is a boy

[@bluebubbles773]

THIS IS THE PUREST THING IVE EVER SEEN I LOVE ITTTTT

[@_AndromedaGalaxy_]

pffft, have you looked in a mirror lately?

[@l3eiever._..itsjojosiwa726]

Did anyone notice at the beginning he was wearing Roman Atwood merch?! Lol

[@j-hopesarmy9802]

Heather Is Positive me

[@alejandroayon9396]

Me

[@keithsmith2347]

Heather Is Positive yea

[@itz_alex2004]

Heather Is Positive ye

[@kobewroblewski3268]

Yes

[@11UncleBooker22]

"In good times and bad times.... I'll be on your side for evermore.....that's what friends are for....."

[@romelnegut2005]

This is true friendship. Even after she found out about him having Down Syndrome, she still stood by him as she always did.

[@murisanfamily]

Awl when she said bestfriend and her lip quivered I started to cry.

[@romelnegut2005]

She was very happy when he said "yes" to her promposal and that tells a lot about her.

[@EleanorsEssence]

she's a good person

[@JesusOurLordandSavior]

Hey, Im subbed to you guys, cool... She is a sweet person just like he is...

[@jazzclopton7310]

Awww hes adorable

[@baddieslayer3668]

Jazz Clopton IKR ❤️

[@luminous7440]

Jazz Clopton IKR?!?! I'd totally be his friend

[@mittao86]

Jazz Clopton He is not a dog or pet you know?

[@zyxcba0]

Racheal is so lucky to have a good friend like him

[@ddakkottaa2953]

Gbody Cutlass I bet the doctor said the same thing when ur mom gave birth to u.

[@oceanle]

Why is there so much damn onions?

[@w5pda]

Because there are onion ninjas everywhere, and they tend to silently attack when a heart-warming story like this gets told. :-)

[@kendallcaminiti-hess2243]

I know, right? Onions are everywhere... :)

[@osvaldoarroyo4788]

Chopped onions to be exact

[@mckennathompson7931]

Ocean le same

[@chrissywhite5641]

*Squidward* *Is* *Triggered*

[@j-hopeandsprite3589]

He ENDED people on that dance floor

[@ddakkottaa2953]

Gbody Cutlass u most probably tried it and smashed urs.

[@Sierralovescharles]

Awh that's so sweet , my son has down syndrome I hope he has friends like you growing up 😊

[@brett8460]

I hate videos where someone asks a person with special needs to the prom because to me it doesn't seem genuine...like they're only asking them to prom because they either feel sorry for them or because they want to go viral and look selfless, but this one is different. I love this!

[@JohnSmith-tf4iv]

The fact that the media has deemed this sort of friendship in our society to be "newsworthy", should cause us all to reflect upon our own individual prejudices and humanity.

[@toosaucyforu3222]

Ian Brown your messed up kid

[@thatonedrawinggirl8114]

@@toosaucyforu3222 *you're but yes he is

[@BlackGirlLovesAnime6]

I agree with you, the people below just haven't come to terms with their own bias

[@annied1827]

I totally get what you are getting at as it should not be big news people should not look at people differently just because they have a disability every child or teen should have friends regardless of who they are therefore it shouldn't be big news , however that's not the world we live in , There are people out there with children who have disabilities and their kids have no friends as in not one friend at all, their kids are the ones who have birthday parties which no one goes to and yet they are too young to understand why they don't have others come to their party or why everyone in their class gets invited to someone's party but they are the only ones who don't get a invite, and they ask is it because the shops don't sell 45 invites is that why I always get left out !!, or my personal favourite the parents of the only friend their child has finds out their childs best friend has a disability and then insists their child should not speak their friend ever again as they don't want their child hanging around with a child like that and after speaking to their child's best friends mum explaining just why they do not want their child hanging around a child like that and how that child should be locked away as deaf children should not mix with normal children and that they have to put a stop to the friendship , but the kids ignore the parents who don't want them to play together so the parents remove their child from the school after catching them talking to each other !! Not every child is as lucky as these two who do have each other . Sadly there are many parents out there with their hearts been broken because they can't explain to their children why no one talks to them , why other parents don't want them playing with their children , why they are the only child in the class when every other child is invited to a class mates party or why when they realise the shops do sell more than 45 party invites and they are so excited and invite every child to their party all 52 but no one comes oh tell a lie 5 come but have been forced there by parents and none want to be there so they all sit in a corner complaining they were made to come and totally ignore or tease the child who invited them . This is the life of many children who have a disability may it be downs syndrome , deafness or a learning disability many get left out and never get to have a friend . I think it's wonderful to see videos like this to know there are great kids out there who are friends with all kinds of classmates regardless of them been the most popular kid there to the child with a disability or the nerdy kid who loves school.and lives their life with their head in a book its nice to see them all having friends that's a important part of school life but there will always be those who never have friends because they may have a disability or they may just be the quiet kid no one understands personally I think every child should have a friend unfortunately that will never happen what's worse is that when a girl like this girl does invite their friend who has a disability to in this case prom people automatically think aww she's so kind how nice of her to do that they never think that she actually wanted to invite him for no other reason than they are best friends therefore it's big news !! All I can say is that I'm glad these two found each other and her parents are amazing just because they didn't care who she is best friends with as I know alot of people sad to say would not like it and would judge and may even try to encourage them not to be friends as I've personally found many times it's the parents attitude which stops these types of friendships which is wrong let your kids choose their friends and as long as they are not doing anything wrong or illegal let them get on with it let them be friends with anyone they want

[@Somm_RJ]

@@annied1827 holy moly! You wrote an Empire State Building of texts. I wonder if anyone actually read it.

[@chocolatebananasmoothies9898]

What a beautiful friendship. I’m glad the two of them have each other in their lives.

[@leanneterroni2653]

Need more people in the world like this. People who just don't see it.

[@Dani_matt]

Its true because I have a rare disability and I would really love people to be that kind to every one with a diablitly just like Rachel is I get bully a lot at school because of my disability and I hate it so much I hate school because people bully me so much

[@jessy7796]

no we need people who see it and treat it as any other. pretending disabilities don’t exist isn’t the answer. it’s about respecting and accepting everyone how they come, differences and all.

[@1080terrieh]

An amazing person, most teens would leave their childhood friend for cooler people, but she stayed true to her best friend and didn’t leave him behind, plus her best friend is the most coolest guy of them all look at him on the dance floor.

[@eliguzman0210]

THIS MADE ME CRY OF JOY

[@clairet4731]

He has a smile more shirt on!!!!!! Go Roman Atwood!!!!

[@TheStonerzombie420]

She's a beautiful caring person I hope she does great in life.

[@marialcampanap402]

her mindset melts my heart. we need more people like this.

[@Maria-lh8gq]

I love his smile it's so adorable 😭😆

[@communistjesus]

Beautiful on the outside and on the inside too.. Rachel is the total package....More people should be like her.. Good for you Rachel...Please never change.,

[@redhousepaintersfan8030]

2:20 I literally started floating

[@leahkantarevic559]

She’s going to be the best mom ever ever 💕❤️💕

[@williammassey911]

I thought that too.

[@chillwalker]

To his son...

[@williammassey911]

@@chillwalker He's in the friend zone.

[@chillwalker]

@@williammassey911 The sky is the Limit!!! (Speaking as some-one growing up with special Needs friends)

[@lanaa846]

Omg Ben!!! He goes to my dance studio. He is very kind and loving!! 💕 this makes me so happy

[@davidmeisberger8419]

I love this story. I have watched it numerous times and Rachel is spot on. She just asked her BEST friend to the prom. Simply awesome. Good for you Ben and Rachel!!! Two awesome kids!

[@scottwood9693]

He didn't even hesitate to open the door for her. Good man!!!

[@ncredbird3998]

I was so proud of these two sweet kids the second I heard this on our local news. I'm proud of her for setting the record straight that this want a pity choice or an attention choice. She has cared about him and been in his life on a constant basis a long time before this night.. This night was just a special night for besties to enjoy and have fun and to be sure it was a night to remember. Amazing kids here from excellent parenting

[@ls-kk4pq]

True kindness does not need to be explained. It just is. Thanks for showing the best of BFFs.

[@racheldisk4812]

I'm crying right now! You're such a good friend, Racheael! And Ben, keep smiling, you're just amazing!

[@VivaToddVegas]

2:30 That girl was on the verge of tears. Hope she had a great time with her friend!

[@romelnegut2005]

I truly believe that she did had a great time and so he.

[@arthurmorgan5589]

when he smiles he looks like that one kid in stranger Things

[@thatonedrawinggirl8114]

Oh I'm so happy that they had an amazing time!! 2:21 Ben knows how to get down!

[@deontrec3825]

Wow just wow...

[@thatonedrawinggirl8114]

@@deontrec3825 what?

[@jackieborgen8460]

We need more people like Rachel. Don't label people without knowing them. Love this!

[@smalltownmamaof3]

2 years later and this still makes me cry. As a mother of a son with autism and knowing he has a couple best friends right now in first grade I pray they keep their connection as they get older, and this video gives me hope they will. There is one girl in particular that can usually get my son to calm down and actually do his work if he’s feeling overwhelmed, she has such a kind soul for a 7 year old ❤️ if these two are indicative of our future generation, we will be in good hands ❤️

[@buddhidev7877]

They are the best friend of each other for life

[@markregan8907]

What GREAT young people. I hope their friendship never ends. They are lucky to have each other. Beautiful!

[@zoey10259]

My mil brother has down syndrome and he always counts on me he always loved playing outside and just run around I love him with all my heart❣️❤️

[@OnryoSan]

Totally obvious she loves him. We all need a love like this. Pure.

[@kennygombold1104]

This young lady has a wonderful heart, she is a blessing to those around her and lots of people will learn from her, she sees this young man as someone she can talk to and she sees him as her best friend...

[@groumeliotis1]

Those Sunday school pictures are so sweet.

[@karenhallrodriguez9205]

They are the cutest bestfriends I have ever seen! He is just like anyone else with Hope's and dreams! They are both lucky to have each other!

[@ed9753]

The best part is he’s wearing Roman Atwood merch that’s so cool

[@lonnieanderson8918]

Her response makes her even more pure! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ great for these two besties!!

[@wendymudkins668]

Bless him he was so happy she asked him and he is a cutie pie she is one of the few good hearted people we so rarely see now a days

[@hnoyola1520]

This is such a beautiful friendship ❤️.

[@marvelorivero1639]

Bro when he did the split i was screaming and my mom rushed in and was like omg are you okay!!!!

[@fionarhiannonpitbullextrao5786]

The world needs more awesome kids like those two. They have this innocent, pure love and friendship with each other. They are best friends, and thats that. I am so proud of these two. If only everyone in the world was like these two... really would be great.

[@destinycortinas5164]

aw this is so pure and sweet

[@tiffanywatkinson7348]

I think she is a beautiful person for doing such a wonderful thing.

[@johnathanbrennon1050]

She's using the guy. You must be blind or born yesterday

[@pepperybliss3804]

HOLY CRUD HE DID THE SPLITS HES AMAZING :D ADORABLE,NICE! ALL THE KIND WORDSS

[@gxb3286]

this is just heart warming

[@britleshelle9381]

Truly made me cry!

[@kiramartin1725]

I love when he smiles 😁

[@canecorsomolosser3294]

You're absolutely wright, it should be normal🤔 when we help it makes life easier for everyone. Good job girl 👍👌☺️👏

[@user-ti7km9eq4l]

Friendship should have a blind eye to certain things. And this is a beautiful friendship. Bless you both

[@emilym8567]

This is ABSOLUTELY adorable

[@Raul1971xxx]

And at the end of this vídeo.. The newsreader gets very, very emotional.. And me too.. 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸👍👍👍

[@user-io3lw8bh5n]

Best friends forever🤗🤗

[@george_2172]

Amazing!! This is so heartwarming to see 🙏great way to start the day seeing this

[@alyssaduong6485]

Omg this girl, she cares about her friend so much, i can tell shes the bestest friend anyone could have

[@queen_of_domination]

How sweet!! When I was growing up, I had a friend who had cerebral palsy. We were close friends. I was very sad when he died at age 18.

[@allison_saf]

Aw he has a Smile More shirt from Roman Atwood! 😭❤️

[@quarterpie2769]

The story was so wholesome it had the anchor smiling like crazy. fantastic just fantastic.

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

Loved this story im eductionally mentally handicapt and this act of kindness spoke to me good story

[@birdpage7955]

We need more people like her in this world

[@emmabelcher_0431]

if only we had more people like this in the world.

[@gailharthill6552]

This is so kind

[@anshikaanand7843]

This is heartwarming ❤️ bless them 😭""Best Friend"" ❤️

[@gregghatfield9946]

Friends till the end ,,,,,, good to have a besty

[@billieeilishfan2169]

2:22 omg them splits

[@34stzoo]

When he did the split at the end.... He's my hero!

[@MasterOfViewership]

He's so lucky to have such a beautiful and loving friend

[@666sara]

awhh he's acc so cute and pretty. both of them must be lucky to have each other! rachel is also very pretty

[@Riceedude]

Omg is that smile more from roman?

[@chojces]

He made my heart melt with that smile of his ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@stevegalish1037]

Wow! What more needs to be said? Steve, you did it again!!!!! Love ya man!!!

[@talonslawrence1845]

2:20 OHHHHHHHHHHH SNAPPPPP

[@noturbussinessselfhelp9226]

OMG I love her,

[@delcom3125]

Incredibly pure

[@evanwetzel8397]

I cant even get out of bed without hurting my knees and this bro is doing a split, i cant even! Brought this whole section joy from it!

[@elmo4672]

Is it just me or does he look like Dustin from Stranger Things when he smiles?

[@90loneeagle]

Dammmn homie did that SPLIT only Jean Claude van damme can do,

[@sonnymiller6469]

Beautiful 😭

[@rlaw3732]

REAL TRUE FRIENDS! Awesome story!

[@mang_thomas4163]

Ah, this is real friendship, unlike now...

[@parsnipmcgee329]

It IS now! Ain't that great?

[@acidgachas1210]

I am crying she is so nice 😂

[@victoriacoker8168]

This is so sweet

[@cathykristensen4440]

We need kindness like this more often.

[@meganwallis205]

Love that merch

[@jodyowen1989]

He was wearing a romanatwood shirt lol

[@-Just-Keep-Going]

So cute. She does have a good heart. And not because she asked him to prom. She has a good heart because of how good a friend she is, how nice she was at the cafe, how nice she was to the reporter. She stayed friends with him her entire childhood and did not want him to get away, that means she has a beautiful heart. It's so amazing and sweet that they have been friends all of their lives and how she was the only one that could calm him down at a young age. I'm from North Carolina too, and it's so nice to see my fellow statesman and women act so kindly towards each other. And they can dance really good too.

[@nicholasclaus9695]

What a beautiful young couple