High school football player inspires inclusiveness with unforgettable ‘promposal’

MANDAN, N.D. (KFYR/Gray News) - March 21 was World Down Syndrome Day. It’s a day to celebrate those with an extra chromosome.

It’s also a day to educate the world about Down syndrome and raise awareness. So, it’s the perfect time to share a sweet story from Mandan, North Dakota.

It involves a high school football star, a girl with Down syndrome and what is sure to be a prom they’ll never forget.

Friends come in all shapes and sizes. John Bugbee and Alayna Tetzloff are proof of that.

“I’m 6-foot-8,” Bugbee said.

The Mandan High School senior said Tetzloff is about 5 feet 3 inches tall, “but her smile is about 6 feet tall.”

It’s a smile that brightens his mood every time he sees her.

“She always picks up your day,” Bugbee said.

It’s that smile that inspired him to come up with a pretty sweet “promposal.” Bugbee surprised Tetzloff during weights class when he asked her to be his prom date.

Friends come in all shapes and sizes. John Bugbee and Alayna Tetzloff are proof of that.

Tetzloff said, with a smile, she was excited when he asked.

This will be the couple’s second formal dance together. He escorted her to a dance earlier this winter, living up to his nickname “the big friendly giant.”

“It suits me,” Bugbee said.

He said he’s not really doing anything special. He’s just looking forward to spending an evening with a good friend and sharing some laughs, but said he also hopes to inspire acceptance, inclusiveness and friendship.

Bugbee said she’s excited to wear her hot pink prom dress.

Mandan High School’s prom is set for Saturday night.