EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (KMOX) – A costume contest has a school superintendent apologizing.

Edwardsville Superintendent Ed Hightower was surprised to learn a freshman student had dressed in a poncho, sombrero and a green card, claiming they were a Mexican immigrant.

Not only was the costume not deemed offensive, it won first place in a costume contest at the High School.

Hightower wasn’t at the contest though several teachers were.

He says the student should not have been allowed to wear the costume and he takes full responsibility.