Continuing the annual Halloween celebrations, the Student Association for School Spirit (SASS) planned several activities for this year’s Halloween, including costume competitions, opportunities to ‘Trick or Treat’ at the different subject departments, a pie-eating contest and Halloween-themed bells throughout the day.
Freshman Chase Reaves, who dressed up for the occasion, explained that Halloween provides him with an opportunity for self-expression and the chance to be “silly” without consequences. Freshman Erykah Poole, who took inspiration from social media for her costume, agreed with Reaves, adding that her Gru costume “reflected me” and that she “was the character.”
According to freshman Carter Andrews, the community helped build a light-hearted and funny environment. He shared that dressing up for Halloween at school is “fun with friends,” though he recommends not to “wear a full suit [as] it gets hot.”
Upper School teachers also participated in the Halloween festivities, often dressing in thematic costumes within their department. English Department Head Zachary Harvat said, “I loved the trick or treating. I thought it was a really fun idea, and I enjoyed getting to see [the students’] costumes.” Harvat, who dressed as a vampire, particularly enjoyed how many teachers dressed up for the occasion. “I think a lot of times spirit activities are mostly focused on students, so it was nice to see more teacher participation. I think it helps to create a better sense of school spirit,” he said.
Students also celebrated with events such as the pie eating contest, in which students had to eat a pie as quickly as possible with their hands behind their backs. Senior Ben Allen won, but each participant enjoyed the competition.
The Sidwell Friends Middle School also had their own Halloween festivities, headlined by inflatable decorations and an eraser guessing contest. According to seventh-grader Jackson Andrews, “Everyone was dressed up … which was really fun.” He added, “People had extremely good-looking and humorous costumes.”
Although Senior Lila Safavi, a head of SASS, said they diverted most of their attention to homecoming activities, she stated that the Halloween festivities at Sidwell left everyone with a shared sense of joy and connection. “Looking ahead, SASS is working on starting to plan for the winter dance,” she said.