Why did you decide to run for homecoming queen?

I decided to run for homecoming queen because last year Fatou ran and she was a black girl at this school and I was like “I wanna do that. I want to be another black girl that wins.”

Very cool. What would you say was the most difficult part of your campaign?

People didn’t want to vote. I would tell people to please just vote. Every vote counts.

Who did you think was your fiercest competitor?

Madison Sims. She knew everyone and she was super popular.

Did you expect the win or was it a surprise?

I was so surprised! When I was walking down with Joe, I was like “Joe how did I win?” and he was like “Katia we had this oh my god!”

If you couldn’t chose yourself to win, who would you have chosen?

I probably would have chosen Madison.

Did your campaigning ever interfere with your schoolwork?

Yes! I was campaigning my behind off. During lunch. I would eat during my fifth period because it took all of lunch to campaign. I was going around asking people…vote vote vote!

What would you say was the secret ingredient to your victory?

Getting in people’s faces, surprising them at lunch, asking if them if they remembered my name like “Yeah vote for Katia!” Just making sure they know my name. Over and over again, even when theyre were getting annoyed.

How did you come up with your cute ideas for posters?

Pinterest.

Are there any downsides to being homecoming queen?

No, of course not!

Have you been going to Bellaire all four years?

Yes, all four years.

What activities are you involved in besides academics?

I’m in booster club, garden club, newspaper…that’s it. I used to be on step team but we kind of took a break from that. That’s all I’m really involved in.

What do you like to do the most in your down time?

Sleep, cook, eat, tacos. That’s pretty much it.

Eat and tacos are like together, or are tacos their own separate category?

They are their own personal section.

What plans do you have for after high school?

I’m planning to go to college for pharmacy and I pray that goes well because there’s good money in pharmacy. I’m just trying to see which school gives me the most money and then I’m gonna go.

So you’re not sure which one you want to go to yet?

No, and I’m not taking any breaks. I just want to go and get it done.