Polenta and Norene were officially crowned Evergreen High School’s first canine homecoming king and queen. Their recognition was about much more than their adorable faces or friendly personalities. It celebrated the comfort, companionship, and emotional support they have brought to a school community working to heal.
For students and staff still carrying the emotional weight of a school shooting, these two dogs have become familiar faces they can count on. Whether greeting students in the morning or quietly sitting beside someone having a difficult day, Polenta and Norene have helped make the school feel welcoming again.
“Their duty is to lie [there] and just be pet and hang out,” explained Amy Wells, the school’s lead counselor.
Although their responsibilities might sound simple, their presence has made a meaningful difference. Sometimes, a gentle nudge from a furry friend or a few quiet moments of petting a dog can offer comfort when words are difficult to find.
Two Special Dogs Bringing Comfort to Their School
Every morning, Polenta and Norene arrive at school ready to greet students. They stay throughout the day, offering companionship until the final bell rings. Wells explained that she and the principal stand near the school’s entrance each morning, allowing students to approach the dogs before heading to class. Some stop for a quick pat, while others linger to enjoy a peaceful moment before their busy schedules begin.
“I stand in the front of the building every single morning with my principal, and we let the kids come up and pet them or just talk to them,” Wells shared.
For students like senior Quinn McEvers, seeing the dogs has become one of the happiest parts of the school day. Their different personalities bring smiles and help create a positive atmosphere.
“I just love seeing both their personalities. And they definitely reflect on me when I get to see them. I definitely am so much happier in a day,” McEvers said.
Those small moments of happiness carry special meaning at Evergreen High School. The community has been navigating the emotional aftermath of a tragic school shooting that left students and staff feeling shaken and vulnerable.
Senior Jackson Thomas remembers how difficult that period felt. Having dogs around provided a comforting distraction and helped students manage some of their anxiety.
“Just felt very vulnerable, you know. And being able to just see these dogs just made people want to pet them,” Thomas recalled. “Just like kind of release their anxiety.”
The school’s decision to welcome facility dogs grew from witnessing how helpful canine companions had been following the tragedy. Evergreen’s principal and lead counselor eventually completed training to become handlers, allowing them to bring that support into the school on a regular basis.
Norene joined the school in January, followed by Polenta in August. Together, they have become an important part of everyday life at Evergreen. Their presence extends far beyond morning greetings. Students might encounter them walking through the hallways, relaxing in the counselor’s office, or providing quiet reassurance during stressful tests.
For some students, interacting with the dogs has also made it easier to approach school counselors. Instead of feeling pressured to begin a serious conversation, they can simply stop by to spend time with a friendly animal.
“It just normalizes life in general,” Wells explained. “Research says that cortisol levels will calm down a little bit with a dog. I just notice, a lot of students that I’ve never actually talked to, and in my job here, they come up to me all the time now.”
That connection matters because emotional healing does not always begin with a conversation. Sometimes, simply feeling safe and comfortable enough to approach someone can be an important first step. McEvers described how the dogs offer affection without expecting students to explain their feelings.
“You don’t need to talk about what’s going on in your life or how something is affecting you. You can just get the love from the dogs, and it really helps,” McEvers said.
Thomas shared a similar feeling, explaining that seeing the dogs immediately brightens his mood.
“I light up whenever I see them because they’re just so cute. I love dogs so much,” he said.
A Homecoming Celebration Unlike Any Other
With Polenta and Norene becoming such cherished members of the school community, Evergreen decided they deserved a special place in its homecoming festivities.
Rather than simply including the dogs in the celebration, the school created an entirely new tradition. A puppy homecoming court was established specifically to recognize the two facility dogs and the joy they have brought to campus.
The adorable candidates faced no competition. Polenta and Norene ran uncontested and won their royal titles in a landslide, making them the school’s first canine homecoming king and queen.
Under the bright Friday night lights of the homecoming football game, the beloved dogs received their crowns. It was a joyful moment that celebrated their unique contributions to a community that had endured so much.
For students, the recognition felt especially meaningful because the dogs had already earned a place in their hearts long before receiving their royal titles.
“They brought so much joy to this school. Just to be able to have people come in with a welcoming smile and be able to pet them,” Thomas said.
McEvers also expressed appreciation for the school’s decision to honor its four-legged companions.
“They make a difference in our community, and I think that it’s really great that they’re getting honored for that because they are a lot bigger than just dogs. They’re really a part of our community,” McEvers explained.
The celebration also included traditional homecoming honors, with two students from each class crowned as king and queen. To make the evening even sweeter, Evergreen won its homecoming football game against Standley Lake High School.
But beyond the crowns, cheers, and football victory, the night represented something deeply personal for the Evergreen community. It was an opportunity to celebrate happiness, connection, and the everyday sources of comfort that have helped students and teachers move forward. Wells reflected on how meaningful it has been to make canine companionship a regular part of school life.
“For us, after last year, when we would have all the dogs in the school, it felt really good to us as staff. And then, now being able to provide that for our students on a daily basis, it’s definitely impactful,” she shared.
Polenta and Norene may never understand the significance of their shiny crowns or the excitement surrounding their homecoming victory. But their influence can be seen in the students who smile when they enter school, the teenagers who find comfort during difficult moments, and the staff members who appreciate their calming presence.
Their story shows how powerful simple companionship can be, especially in a community learning to feel secure again. While no animal can erase the pain of a tragedy, these two gentle dogs have helped create moments of warmth, connection, and reassurance when they are needed most.
And although their royal titles make them a memorable part of Evergreen High School history, Polenta and Norene’s greatest achievement has nothing to do with winning a crown. It is the love and comfort they continue to share with their school community, one wagging tail and one grateful student at a time.
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