Gabby Martin, a senior at Kenosha’s Bradford High School who has Down syndrome, was crowned the 2025 Homecoming Queen at the Homecoming Dance on October 11, capturing the hearts of her entire school and community. Known for her bright spirit, warmth, and joy, Gabby exemplifies how leading with the heart can positively impact everyone around her.
Gabby’s journey to the Homecoming Court was celebrated by an outpouring of love and encouragement from students, teachers, administrators, and local businesses. Her classmates and community rallied around her with posters, buttons, and a campaign marked by her tagline “Vote for Me… Queen Gabby!” The excitement was about more than a crown. It was a celebration of inclusion, kindness, and community support.
“Gabby has always loved people with her heart and her smile,” said her father, Matt Martin, owner of Piasecki Funeral Home. “She has taught all of us that kindness does not need words. What we are witnessing is a community coming together to celebrate someone who has spent her life spreading joy simply by being herself.”
Gabby is a four-year varsity cheerleader whose energy, positivity, and encouragement lift her teammates and peers alike. Her cheer “sisters” produced her official campaign video, highlighting the team spirit and genuine affection she has inspired at Bradford High School.
The Homecoming Court and the entire student body cheered as Gabby was crowned at the Homecoming Dance. From her first day of school as a first grader to her crowning moment as a senior, Gabby’s journey demonstrates the impact of kindness, joy, and living authentically.
“Homecoming week is an exciting time filled with school spirit, connection, pride, and the celebration of traditions that make Mary D. Bradford High School so special,” said Bradford Principal JJ Kotarak. “The culture that we have and continue to foster at Mary D. Bradford is one of inclusivity for everyone. Seeing the way our students, staff, and community have come together to support Gabby is heartwarming, and it’s also our expectation for how we treat others. The kindness, inclusion, and unity shown are a shining example of how we treat each other at Bradford and a true reflection of how phenomenal Bradford Nation truly is.”
“Gabby represents the very best of Kenosha,” Martin said. “This story reminds us that even in a world where it is easy to focus on negativity, the power of a caring community can lift everyone up and make life better for all of us.”
