Be escorted by his parents, Dawn and Tom Bethke — or walk in carrying his trombone.

“I wanted to,” he joked.

Mom and dad won in the end.

Bethke was well turned out for the occasion. He had selected a classic white suit finished off with a blue bow tie.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Josie Schild, center, along with her mom, Jennifer Schild and her brother, Justin Schild, wave to the audience Friday afternoon during the Fort Dodge Senior High Prom Coronation.

Dawn Bethke reflected on the occasion as the court members got their last minute instructions.

“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “The time has gone by so fast. All these years, this year is very special though. We’re very proud of him.”

There may have been another reason for the trombone to stay in the case. During his introduction, one of his favorite memories was shared with the entire audience.

“His favorite memory is that time when he accidentally hit his younger sister with his trombone slide,” the announcer said.

Court member Tyler Klein also turned out in a handsome suit and tie — a conventional one.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Dawn Bethke, at left, makes sure her son, Dylan Bethke, has his bow tie perfectly level Friday afternoon before the Fort Dodge Senior High Prom Coronation.

“I had to go out and get a suit,” he said.

He planned on keeping his crown.

“I’m going to keep it,” he said. “Maybe buy a manequin head for it.”

After the crowning of the royals, the court gathered for photos with family and friends.

Jennifer Espinal was among those. Her son, Roberto Espinal, proudly wore his crown.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Olivia Kester, center, encourages Roberto Espinal, left, to keep his voice down a bit as the 2018 Prom Court waits for their crowns and tiara Friday afternoon during the coronation at Fort Dodge Senior High. The other members of the court include Bethany Armbruster and Dylan Bethke, at left, along with Hannah Stanley, Josie Schild and Tyler Klein, from far right.

“I’m really proud and glad to see him up there,” she said. “I’m really, really proud of my boy.”

Eli Asay, 18, a senior at Fort Dodge Senior High, was among the students who helped out with the coronation. He escorted two members of last year’s court, Morgan Cox and Jamie Vaughan.

He’s also a former mentor in the Circle of Friends which helps organize the coronation.

“It’s the most rewarding class I’ve ever taken,” he said. “I really enjoy spending time with our special needs students.”

Jessica Froisland is a teacher at the school who works with special needs students.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Freshly crowned Prom Royal Tyle Klein makes his way down from the stage Friday afternoon during the 2018 Prom Coronation at Fort Dodge Senior High.

“I’ve worked with these kids since they were freshmen,” she said. “It’s emotional, but exciting at the same time.”

The concept of having the prom court made up of special needs students was a student-driven initiative. She’s very proud of the students.

“They make it a point to include all the special needs students,” she said.

2018 Fort Dodge Senior High Prom Court

Bethany Sue Armbruster

Dylan Bethke

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Two members of last year’s Prom Royalty, Morgan Cox, at left, along with Jamie Vaughan, right, returned to crown this year’s royalty. They were escorted by senior Eli Asay, 18, center.

Roberto Ignacio Espinal

Olivia Jo Kester

Tyler Matthew Klein

Josie Schild

Hannah Stanley