FAIRVIEW — Students here aren’t celebrating homecoming with decorations or floats this year, opting instead to put donations toward repairs for its long-shuttered football stadium.

It’s an odd way to mark homecoming, but after three years without a home field, Aggies have learned to make the most out of an unfortunate situation. And there’s still hope students — especially the Class of 2017 — will get to experience a real homecoming Oct. 21, the last game of the season and Senior Night.

It’s the tradition at Fairview, as it is at many high schools, to commemorate Homecoming Week with different grades competing for best decorations and floats. Students solicit donations to buy supplies they need to decorate, and after Friday’s game, all that hard work is simply thrown away.

This year, students are foregoing the decorations, opting for a more sparse, yet purposeful celebration— channeling those donations toward the school’s stadium in a gesture that may resound years after they graduate.

On Friday night, the student council president will present the money students raised to Principal Dr. Chris Gambrill before the game, said Treyla Kessler, Fairview math teacher and student council sponsor.

“I think it’s a big step for these students, on top of everything they’ve already had to do without, they’re giving up a part of their fun for the week,” said Fairview Quarterback Club Secretary Sherrie Ashley. “I think it speaks volumes of our student body.”

Ashley’s son, Ragan, is a senior and plays quarterback for the Aggies. He played one football game at the stadium as a sophomore, on a Monday night, and then Thursday night, the family got news the facility was condemned.

A building inspector ruled the concrete stands were not safe after large cracks developed. The team struck a deal with Cullman High School to host home games there for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

This year, Fairview’s Homecoming game against Curry will be at its new home this season at West Point. While the Aggies are more than thankful for the hospitality shown by the rival schools, the team, cheerleaders, band members and their supporters feel they’ve essentially been “on the road” since 2014.

After every game, sponsor signs have to be taken down and packed away only to be put back up again at the next game. Same with the band, which has to pack up its concession stand and then set it back up again.

“It’s been financially taxing,” Ashley said. “Our community businesses have been hurt badly with nothing going on in the fall.”

That’s why students, parents, teachers, coaches, businesses and alumni have poured all their focus and resources into supporting the stadium project over the past three — yes, three — years.

The football team and its supporters pumped gas at Fairview Quick Stop and bussed tables at Brandin’ Iron Steakhouse, raising thousands. The town even passed a half-cent sales tax hike, earmarking a portion of the revenue for the stadium.

“We’re all hoping they’ll be able to play that last game Oct. 21 at their home field, because if they can’t, those seniors will be the only class to never play a home game,” Ashley said. “If they get to play, that will truly be our homecoming.”

Those interested in donating to the stadium project can do so by contacting Fairview High School at 256-796-5106 or by donating to the stadium fund at any Merchants Bank location.