As his senior classmates chanted "Ben, Ben, Ben," 17-year-old Ben Hilleary strolled across the gym at Bellingham High School - with a gold and red crown on his head after being named homecoming king. Just before the Friday, Oct. 8, assembly in which he was honored, a smiling Ben fielded well wishes from students and staff, as he walked down a hallway and while he waited in his special education class. "Congratulations, Ben!" one girl said.