“It was awesome!” These were the words of third grader Charlie Semsch when asked what he thought of this year’s Trunk or Treat. Many shared Semsch’s sentiments, despite last Thursday’s event looking slightly different from the previous year.
Last year, National Honor Society (NHS) members decorated themed trunks and handed out treats to lower school students, arguably having just as much fun as young lions. This year, seniors outside of NHS were also given the opportunity to participate.
Ms. Betsy Gregg, third grade teacher, shared “we like when we have any event between the two schools; it’s a good way to get the littles to feel like they are a part of the school as a whole.”
When asked if her students were excited, Ms. Gregg immediately replied “Oh yes! It was a topic every single day this week!”
On the day of the planned festivities, the excitement leading up to the event was palpable, but a wave of fear came over the Lower and Upper School students when rain started on Thursday morning.
However, with the help of PA’s beloved head custodian Mr. John Wagner (Scooby), NHS came up with a plan: in lieu of car trunks in the north parking lot, they set tables up inside, still allowing for the fun to commence. When the time came to set up, the Upper Schoolers excitedly began to decorate. Rylie Schonfelder ‘23, participated in Trunk or Treat for the first time this year, commented , “It was so fun to build our stand and see everyone else’s ideas come together.”
Schoenfelder in action as the gumball machine, dispensing candy to Lower School students last Thursday.
Semsch and his classmate Humphrey Ombaso eagerly shared their favorite tables as “the gumball machine” and “the one with the guys dressed as leaves.”
Schoenfelder was actually a part of the group that brought the “gum ball machine” to life. She was under the table, hidden by balloons, sticking her hand through the opening to hand the kids their candy.
Schoenfelder remarked, “My favorite part of the trunk or treat was handing out candy from the flap at the bottom of the ‘gum ball machine’ which made it so the kids could only see my hand and it was fun to hear their reactions!”
Despite having to move the festivities inside, Trunk or Treat was a smashing success! The Upper Schoolers’ enthusiasm and dedication to the event brought joy to the little kids.
Gregg noted, “It was cool to see how into it the High Schoolers were getting. Their genuine excitement made it even more fun for our students.”
In the end, it was a joy for all who participated: teachers and kids of all ages. “Handing out candy, seeing all the lower schoolers in their costumes, and the hallway’s atmosphere transformed by all our themes was so fun. It was truly a great experience,” concluded Schoenfelder.