For Baxter Pollard, homecoming is a time of welcoming — especially for new students. But this year, things had to be a little bit different.

Baxter, the Associated Student Body president, said that this year students have worked to find alternative ways to celebrate homecoming including having dress-up days and prizes for the best costume.

“We’re just trying to find ways to incorporate students into fun activities,” she said.

Mary Imaz, a Spanish teacher and Student Leader Advisor, said despite the challenges and not having all the same activities, students have overall adjusted well.

“I think the students, in general, have been doing extremely well,” she said. “The shorter schedule, the fact that they get to see their teachers every day [contribute].”

Planning the events have been a bit stressful, Pollard said, because the student body couldn’t follow normal protocols.

“Normally we have a set plans,” Pollard said. “This year was a lot more trying to be creative and asking questions about whether we could do things.”

To add to the excitement, the student body decided to add prizes for the costumes, Pollard said. The first-place winner will receive Air Pods, second place a Yeti water bottle and third place two tickets to the homecoming football game.

Some students are still upset at not being able to experience the homecoming dance or other activities that would usually happen, she said, but they understand the cancelations are to keep everyone safe.

Still, Pollard said, she’s looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year holds in store. There are more events coming up, and she’s hopeful.

“I would just say I’m excited to see where all the events are [in the future],” she said.