WILKES-BARRE -- There are a lot of prom photos on Facebook this time of year, but one from Wilkes-Barre has caught the attention of thousands of people.
A girl with down syndrome had her long-time dream of going to the big dance fulfilled by a boy who asked her to go, even though he has a girlfriend. And Mallory Hughes is still glowing after the big night.
It's a photo drawing all kinds of attention on social media, but attention certainly wasn't Zach Rattigan's intention in taking Mallory Hughes to the Meyers High School prom.
"I saw how many likes it's gotten and the shares. I didn't plan on posting it at all. I've just known her for so long, it was just the right thing to do," Zach said.
We caught up with Zach and Mallory at the school in Wilkes-Barre, smiling as they looked back at photos from the big dance over the weekend. It was Mallory's dream come true: a trip to the prom.
The pair was even named honorary king and queen.
"I'm so happy, best brother ever," said Mallory.
Zach isn't Mallory's brother, but she sees him that way.
"Gave me flowers," Mallory added.
Taking her to prom is just the latest way Zach is looking out for the long-time family friend.
"Every day at lunch she comes over, gives me hugs and says, 'hey, Zach, my brother,' and I always see her in the hall and say, 'hey, Mal,' and give her a hug," Zach said.
"Zach is such a gentle, kindhearted young man and has always volunteered to be her champion in this world, so once again he showed his true colors," said Mallory's mom Karen Hughes.
Mallory's mom got such joy seeing her daughter all dressed up with that big grin.
"My mom helped me get ready and got me a new dress," Mallory added.
"She affects everyone. Everyone remembers her. Everyone loves her," said Karen. "She's just pure. She gives the purest love to people."
The photos show Mallory dancing up a storm at the Woodlands, even getting teachers and the assistant principal on the floor.
"Oh, she's the mayor. Everyone knows Mal," said assistant principal Patrick Peters. "Mal walks down the hall, she's talking to everyone, waving to everyone. If I'm having a bad day, Mal's the one I go see."
Zach's just glad he could help bring some joy to Mallory.
"It's amazing because she's awesome, and I'd be lucky to have her as a sister," said Zach.
Zach Rattigan is a sophomore at Meyers. He and his girlfriend still have more proms they can go to together. He says his girlfriend was glad he could take Mallory, and Zach certainly was, too.
Mallory tells us she's ready to do a little dance again when she graduates next month.
