Schaumburg High pays tribute to student supervisor with charitable collection

The Schaumburg High School community honored the memory of a beloved alumna, turned staff member, who died last year with a charitable collection in her name at last Friday's football game.

Yvette (Little) Franklin was a member of Schaumburg High School's first full class to graduate. She returned as an adult in the position of student supervisor.

"Ms. Franklin did so much more than just monitor the lunchroom or hallways," said Schaumburg High School Activity Director Whitney Gbur. "She was seen throughout the school as something of a mother figure by many of the students."

According to a statement about Franklin read at the football game, "She was committed to bettering the lives of everyone in the SHS community. She was warm to everyone she met, and for those who were lucky enough to know her, she was a force for kindness. Mrs. Franklin was a lifelong 'team mom' to our football team and was instrumental in changing the lives of many of our student athletes."

As part of Friday's tribute to Franklin, the school collected 10 boxes of donated nonperishable items for its Blessings in a Backpack program. This was chosen because of Franklin's hard work and dedication to ensure students didn't go hungry, Gbur said.

"The words 'Once a Saxon, Always a Saxon' have been spoken countless times over the last 50 years," last Friday's address stated. "Mrs. Franklin was, and is, the embodiment of this expression. We love you, Mrs. Franklin."