Schaumburg High's homecoming queen makes most of school days

Schaumburg High School senior Myia Kerr says she was “shocked” to hear her name announced as homecoming queen, but her coronation turns out to be more than just a surprise.

As far as school officials can remember, she is the first black homecoming queen in the school's 40-year history.

“She's such a positive role model for her peers,” said Luke Yanle, dean of students and moderator of the homecoming festivities. “She's bright and energetic, just a sheer bundle of joy.”

Joining her on the throne last month as homecoming king was senior Connor Prizy of

Schaumburg. He runs track and cross country, while also working as a reporter for the school's newspaper, the Schaumburg Sextant.

Both he and Kerr are most visible to their classmates in their roles with the Saxon Super Fans, which encourages students to support their teams and cheer them on at games.

Kerr also serves as an officer with the National Honor Society and with Operation Snowball, which promotes positive activities with students. She gives time as a math tutor, peer counselor, basketball manager and a varsity lacrosse player.

Kerr wasn't always so involved. By her own admission, she was quiet and introverted her freshman year, coming from the smaller Bethel Baptist School in Schaumburg.

“I felt like high school was so big, and I didn't know anyone,” Kerr said. “I was afraid to try new things.”

That changed, she said, sophomore year. With a year of high school under her belt and confidence growing in her classes, she resolved to make more of her high school experience.

“I took it upon myself to meet new people and join new things,” Kerr said, “and it's been building ever since.”

Schaumburg Assistant Principal Shayne Bullen said Kerr was part of an informal group of African-American girls who met each week last year to talk about ways to improve relations in the school.

“She was always very positive in those meetings and a leader among her peers,” Bullen said. Being crowned homecoming queen confirmed it, school officials say, noting they could not think of a better ambassador for the school.

But Kerr is not finished yet. She looks forward to her senior lacrosse season this spring, and tentatively hopes to play in college. This much, however, she knows: She discovered a love of science at Schaumburg and now plans to major in chemistry.