Special Education

Homecoming Queen with Down Syndrome ‘Walking On Air’

By Christina A. Samuels — October 22, 2008 1 min read
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And now, time for a purely “good news” story: The Chicago Tribune ran a delightful article a few days ago about a young woman with Down syndrome who was chosen as homecoming queen.

Now that she's royalty, Anne Jennings dances down the hallways, bursts into excited giggles and hugs her BFFs, or "best friends forever," without warning. Of course, she did pretty much all those things before being named homecoming queen at Libertyville High School, but somehow, life has become more magical. As a 17-year-old with Down syndrome, the senior "has been walking on air" since being crowned this month. "Before, I was just plain me," said Jennings, selected by student vote out of 17 nominated girls. "When I was queen, it changed. It's amazing. Everyone loves me. I love me."

It’s hard not to smile when you see the photo gallery. I also appreciate that the reporter took time to interview Annie, because her personality really shines through. Congratulations Annie!

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A version of this news article first appeared in the On Special Education blog.