Quinn honors Downers Grove senior Wagner
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn took a minute of his State of the State address to honor Downers Grove North High School senior Anne Wagner and the classmate who nominated her to be homecoming queen, Mary Doro.
Wagner, who has Down syndrome, missed part of her sophomore year and full junior year of high school while suffering from leukemia.
And when she returned to school last year, her longtime friend Doro nominated her to be homecoming queen, and Wagner won.
“Anne and Mary: We're very proud of you,” Quinn said.
Both watched the speech from the Illinois House gallery and spent time in Quinn's office after the speech.
“It was nice of him to acknowledge that Mary took a stand for Anne,” said Wagner's dad, Joe Wagner.
Quinn went to their high school in October to honor the two teenagers and their classmates.
Doro said it was an honor to be invited.
“It's eye-opening, and they're great opportunities,” Doro said.
Quinn mentioned the two as part as a brief section of the speech touting his backing of more supportive housing for people with developmental disabilities.