It isn't easy being king or queen, or even a prince or princess, especially at Santa Maria High School.

This week, the school crowns its homecoming king, queen, prince and princess. Becoming school royalty takes a lot of work, and the student body seems to be getting behind the effort.

"This year, the excitement has gone over the roof because for the first time we're including the underclassmen in the event," explained Adrian Salazar, activities director at the high school.

This year is the first that freshmen, sophomore and juniors have been eligible to join the homecoming royalty. All grade levels can run for homecoming prince or princess.

Previously, only seniors were crowned homecoming king and queen at

half- time of the football game, a tradition that will continue Friday during the Saints' contest against the Nipomo Titans. This year, homecoming prince and princess will join the royal court.

Earning any one of the four appointments isn't easy, either.

To earn the honors, students must be a member of a club, organization or athletic team. They need to fill out an application, write an essay and put together a first-class campaign.

The prince and princess will be elected by the student body Thursday following a rally. Students will vote for the king and queen Friday, with the announcement made at half-time of the football game.

"That's a tradition only for the seniors," Salazar said of the half-time crowning. "They're escorted by their parents. These are the kids who are definitely involved in the school."

The students celebrated homecoming week with Jersey Day on Tuesday, Eighties Day complete with costumes and music by MC Hammer, George Michael and Michael Jackson on Wednesday, Western Day today, and All Saints Day, Friday, with two pep rallies and school colors required.

The rallies lead up to the Saints-Titans kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Dave Boyd Field.