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It wasn’t much of a surprise to most of the students at South Terrebonne High that Landon Trahan was crowned king of the school’s Krewe of Emeralds at its annual tableau last week.
They were not prepared for what happened next.
Landon removed the crown from his own head and placed it on that of his long-time schoolmate and friend, Blair Luke.
“I was honored to be able to give it to him and see him smile,” said Landon, an 18-year-old senior from Bourg, who has made a mark for years at activities like student government, the honor society, baseball and soccer. “It was an honor for me to be regarded so highly, to be elected and voted for. But I had to keep in perspective that Blair is a blessing to us all. He does more for people than I ever can.”
Blair, confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, has never let physical challenges get in the way of school spirit. At pep rallies, football games and a lot of other activities he shows up and plays an active role.
His unflagging positivity, Landon maintains, makes him a king of kings.
Blair’s mother, Alicia Luke, said she is pleased by the royal gesture, and that her son is as well.
“He seems to inspire everyone,” she said. “He has always been outgoing and happy, a real people person. He likes to be around other people and has since he was very small. He has a zest for life and has never complained about anything.”
In the days leading up to the tableau Landon had sought counsel on the decision, concerned whether passing on the crown was the best – and most dignified – for Blair.
“I had mentioned it to my mom I was torn because if I was Blair I wouldn’t want people to treat me differently,” Landon said. “I had talked to the sponsor for the tableau. She said to ensure the integrity of the voting I had to receive the crown and then give the crown to him if that was what I wished to do. I knew he deserved it. My mom said she couldn’t make the decision for me, that I should pray about it. I was uncertain but pretty sure I was going to do it if elected. When they called my name I knew I had to do it.”
The school’s website now lists Landon as king, and Blair as honorary king.
This was not the first time Blair has worn a crown.
Last year, he was the king of the Krewe of Tee Caillou.
South Terrebonne Principal Mark Torbert said he was not surprised by Landon’s largesse.
“This is a great example of what a great chunk of our kids exhibit, just that type of mentality,” Torbert said. “They do take care of each other and it is a testament to the entire community, this area of ours. Landon is a great example of what a lot of our kids exhibit on a daily basis and Blair as well.”
South Terrebonne High senior Landon Trahan and long-time schoolmate and friend Blair Luke are pictured at the school’s Krewe of Emeralds’ annual tableau. Trahan was crowned king, which he turned over to Luke.
