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.”