As what Principal John Clements has dubbed the finest school in Leon county, the Buffalo Bison knew they couldn’t let their annual Meet the Bison event fall to COVID-19. Taking a cue from the graduation ceremony held last May, the Booster Club moved the event from the gym to the football field. And while the event was missing some of its usual activities like a meal beforehand and was postponed twice due to bad weather, the third time proved to be a charm and the community came together to cheer on the student groups last week.

“I really love Meet the Bison because it’s tradition, and it makes me feel special to be able to be a part of it again,” sophomore Mia Barrett said. “It was different for me this year because I became a cheerleader, and it felt good knowing I worked hard to get a spot on the field.”

The evening kicked off with a welcome speech by Athletic Director Brandon Houston and his introduction of the coaching staff. The cake auction started after that and items were auctioned off throughout the event in between introductions and performances. While the crowd was thinner than usual and participants were masked, the crowd was ready to show its love and the athletes were excited to see the support.

“The masks are definitely something big that’s changed since last year. I was just glad we were able to have it this year, though,” sophomore Rodrigo Carrillo said. “It’s touching seeing all of our supporters out there even during a pandemic.”

Introduced by JH Cheerleaders sponsor Ashley McGill, JH Cheerleaders did their cheer performance and their parking spot auction. Next up, the Varsity Cheerleaders performed and were introduced to the crowd. In order to pump up the crowd, cheerleaders showed off stunts and cheer jumps to raise money.

“It was better cheering outside than being crowded in the gym,” senior Betsy Martinez said. “Although it was my last one, it was a bittersweet moment because I know that I won’t have it next year. It is special because it is my sixth and last Meet the Bison performance.”

Cross Country runners were introduced by Coach Eric Boettcher and auctioned off a dessert.

“It felt a bit different than usual but it was still enjoyable because all the fans still showed their spirit,” senior Franscio Saldana said. “It did feel kind of sad because it was the last time to be recognized, but it was also a happy moment.”

The Bison Brigade performed and Director Jeff Villarreal introduced the members. The band auctioned off a parking spot.

“This year was my second Meet the Bison since I participated in band eighth grade, but I look forward to it every year,” freshman Mildret Carrillo said. “Something that definitely made this one special is the people I get to be around, my friends and my cousins. For some of them, it will be their last year, and that has motivated me to make this season and year the best.”

Volleyball players were introduced: JH volleyball, freshman and JV teams.

“It was awesome having such a supportive community and everyone cheering for me and my team,” junior Avery Hardin said. “It was sweet to know that everyone’s hard work pays off.”

The award-winning Bison Belles stepped into the field and performed ‘Love Runs Out’ to the crowd. Belle Director Melissa Isaacs introduced this year’s officer line and line members. The Belles prepared a mini-performance to show while they auctioned off their parking spot.

“It was sad to me mainly because it was crazy to me that I wouldn’t be doing this type of thing again because I’ve been doing Meet the Bison for four years,” senior Molli Doss said. “But it made me feel proud because I have been a part of something for so long and now someone new will be stepping up to experience it.”

Football players were introduced last, with Houston finishing up the evening with the varsity players.

“It’s a little crazy how fast Meet the Bison came,” senior Eric Beshears said. “It was different this year since we were outside on the field while COVID-19 is still going on, but I’m glad it wasn’t canceled or postponed again.”

To wrap up Meet the Bison, Superintendent Lacy Freeman said a few final words of encouragement, and the crowd ended the night with the school song.

“It was quite an interesting turn of events with challenges to overcome, but overall I think it gave everyone the opportunity to showcase their best and I’m glad we got to do it,” Isaacs said. “With COVID-19 and all of the restrictions we had to go through, Meet the Bison was one of those monumental things we got to accomplish not only as a school but also as a community. It showed our administrators’ commitment to getting back to some kind of new normal.”