PLANT CITY, Fla. — Spectrum Bay News 9 is highlighting one of the Bay area's high school Homecoming royalty.

What You Need To Know

  • Tyler Downs picked by peers as Homecoming King at Durant High School

  • Tyler participates in Special Olympics 

  • Teachers and students at Durant praise Tyler's positive attitude and message of inclusivity 

Tyler Downs goes to Durant High School in Plant City.

He captured the crown of Homecoming King in October, while making his entire community feel good as well.

That’s because the high school senior spreads the love on campus.

While Tyler is walking the halls of campus, students and teachers call out his name.

Tyler returns the favor with handshakes and fist bumps, making sure everyone is included.

Tyler’s big heart has won over the school as the 2023 Homecoming King.

Tyler said he had a good feeling that night.

"Because all the crowd started chanting my name," he said.

He also said it was quite the honor to get recognized by his peers.

"It was super, fantastic, amazing," Tyler said.

Exceptional Education teacher Debbie Martinez recalled that when Tyler was a freshman, he barely talked.

Now, she said Tyler will rule over a pep rally.

"His personality, as you probably know is to put on a smile each and every day,” Martinez said. “He never says anything negative. Everything is always positive, turn that frown upside down and he will always work hard and he will always promote acceptance for all."

Off campus, Tyler is also making an impact with the community.

He participates in Special Olympics where he's won medals for flag football and track.

The winning is contagious.

Durant's football team is back-to-back district champs as well.