TAMPA, Fla. — It might be a few months behind schedule, but Homecoming weekend is finally here at Tampa’s Plant High School. 

Plant High, along with many other Hillsborough County high schools, had to cancel or postpone homecoming due to COVID-19 safety protocols and the spike in cases late in the summer. 

After canceled pep rallies, proms, and big school events, Plant High students are excited to finally experience one of those high school milestones. 

“We didn’t know if we were going to have homecoming, so for us to finally get back to something close to normal was great,” said senior Hayden Stoltzfoos. 

In previous years, homecoming has been held at large venues like Raymond James Stadium. This year homecoming will look a little bit different with the dance held under tents in the school parking lot. Despite that, Plant High has seen one of the highest numbers of ticket sales in recent years. 

“We’re a little bit nervous about it because we’ve never had this many kids on campus just dancing and having fun, but we’re excited about it,” said Principal Johnny Bush. 

Some seniors say just being able to have a big event again means so much, and the pandemic has shown them to be grateful for the little things. 

“I never lived in the present, and just enjoyed the moment,” said senior Silvia Farfante. “I was always on my phone, so the pandemic has really taught me that every moment we have with our friends and at school we really should cherish it.”