DANVILLE -- On a Friday during high school football season, students in Danville were filled with emotion.
The district moved up homecoming to this weekend so a student fighting a serious form of cancer could attend. The high school even held a carnival Friday in her honor.
But what is heartbreaking is that the student is too ill to even be there.
Mackenzie Riley's friends and teachers say she is so excited to be on her high school's homecoming court this year. Her teachers thought she would be able to attend the homecoming ceremony, but Mackenzie will be watching via Skype from her hospital room. Her best friend will walk in her honor.
Students set up tables and signs, preparing for Danville Area High School's annual homecoming carnival. The carnival is a tradition at the school, but this year the vibe is a bit different.
"This year's special because most of the proceeds from most of the stands set up today are going to the Riley family," said Emily Morgan, carnival organizer.
Mackenzie Riley is a 17-year-old senior at the school, who is battling her third round of bone cancer. Her teachers say she was told this time the cancer is terminal.
"She's a trooper. You would never know how hard she works. She doesn't complain about anything. She has such a spirit about her," said Morgan.
Mackenzie was voted onto the homecoming court, which her friends say means a lot to her.
Homecoming was supposed to be three weeks from now, but the school moved in up in hopes Mackenzie could attend. The school district just found out she won't be able to, so her best friend is going to walk the court in her honor.
"I really would rather she could be there obviously but she can't, so it will be nice to be in her place, I guess," said Sara Klena, Mackenzie's friend.
Even though Mackenzie couldn't be at the carnival or another event held Friday, "Relay for Riley," her friends say they know she was there in spirit.
"If you need a favor, she'll be there for you. If you need a laugh, she will definitely make you laugh," said Avani Chopra, Mackenzie's friend.
Chopra is friends with Mackenzie and recently visited her in the hospital.
"We just sat talking for like five and a half hours. I was reading cards to her and they were such hard words. I couldn't read them to her, but at least she laughed. Hearing her laugh was one of the greatest things."
Mackenzie's friends say they are happy this homecoming weekend is all about her.
"This time of year can be about different things. It can be about silly things like dresses, dates, or whatever and to make it about something that's bigger than yourself, something that's so important, is cool," said Klena.
Danville's homecoming queen will be crowned during halftime at tonight's football game. Mackenzie's teachers say she will be watching via Skype from her hospital bed. Her teachers also say Mackenzie's dream is to go to college and find a cure for cancer.