Bartlett High School elects special needs student prom queen

For the first time in Bartlett High School history, students elected a fellow student who has special needs as prom queen.

Senior Brittany Corder, a popular student with Down syndrome, won by an overwhelming number of votes, said a statement from her mother that was confirmed by the school.

Students chose the king and queen by secret ballot when they arrived at the prom Saturday evening at Belvedere Banquet Hall in Elk Grove Village. She and king Josh Morris were crowned at 8 p.m.

Corder was escorted to the dance by Jimmy Rinchiuso, another special needs student who has Down syndrome.

In March, Corder was honored with the “Distinguished Hawk Award,” given to a few select students for their service to others and the community.

After being named queen, Corder and Rinchiuso danced the night away, her mother said.