Cottonwood High’s “Under the Wave” homecoming this year brought the school community together in a memorable, inclusive celebration. 

“Every school does homecoming dances, but what I loved most about our homecoming experience was our students with special needs that showed up,” Principal Justin Pitcher said. “Many of them came with their peer mentors and with their class teacher and the students gave them the entire front of the floor to dance in. It was just really a heartwarming experience to see young people making choices to allow for those who are different from them to be part of the group.”

The dance, held in the school’s main commons area, featured thoughtful touches to ensure every student could enjoy themselves, including seating areas with card games and quieter spaces for students who needed a break from the lights and music, Assistant Principal Ashley Snarr said.

“They just went the extra mile for this dance to make it something that every student felt like it was their best dance,” she said.