Halloween is a fun holiday celebrated by many families, especially in the U.S. Many elementary and middle schools celebrate Halloween, with parties and candy, and some students dress up and participate in festive games. However, once kids get to high school, the holiday is typically not celebrated in school. As a result, students wonder, should Halloween be celebrated at TWHS? Lily McAlister, a senior at TWHS, enjoys Halloween.
“I think it’s always fun to dress up as someone you’re not for one night of the year,” McAlister says. She thinks Halloween should be celebrated at TWHS because it can make students feel like kids again. McAlister said she would “probably” participate in Halloween festivities “if it involved candy.” She thinks TWHS should “have a big party in the gym.
Landon Sterling, a junior, is “not really a big fan” of the holiday. She thinks high schoolers are too old for Halloween.
“I didn’t participate in elementary school, either, so don’t plan on starting now,” Sterling said. She would like the day off on Halloween, though.
Senior Finn Rubin finds Halloween pretty interesting– “There’s not really any other holiday like it,” Rubin said. He thinks students should celebrate Halloween because “there’s no reason not to celebrate,” Rubin continues. However, he says he would most likely not participate if TWHS did something to celebrate.
Halloween is the former favorite holiday of fellow senior Stella Witham.
“I like Christmas better now,” she explains.
Witham doesn’t think TWHS students should dress up but there should be a party in homeroom instead. Similarly to Sterling, she would also enjoy a day off for Halloween.
Junior Presley Pingue thinks Halloween is “a fun time to put up spooky decorations and carve pumpkins.” She thinks people should celebrate however they feel comfortable. Pingue thinks TWHs is “already doing a good job” celebrating Halloween with things such as Flock Talk.
Mrs. Ruiz, an English teacher, loves Halloween. “It’s a lot of fun and we do a lot of things to celebrate both at home but also like we do things at work too which is fun,” Ruiz explains that some teachers coordinate their outfits for Halloween. “Last year, our whole department got matching witches hats,” she continues. Ruiz thinks that students should be able to dress up but it shouldn’t be mandatory. “I like the idea of people dressing up,” she comments. “I think it brings a fun festive atmosphere.”
Carliegh Travers, a senior states her view on Halloween if it were to be celebrated at TWHS. “Honestly, I don’t mind. I think it’s a good opportunity for high schoolers to still have their chance to be useful…If you want to dress up, that’s okay, go dress up. [If] you don’t, that’s okay, too” Traverse says. If Halloween was celebrated at TWHS she “might bring a subtle costume or whatnot or just be vibing.” But when the question comes of whether it should be celebrated at TWHS, Traverse “[doesn’t] know.”
Lastly, AP Literature teacher Mrs. York “really [likes] Halloween” because of “the social aspect of going out.” She thinks it’s a “fun communal thing to celebrate” and enjoys that the holiday “gives us a reason to be a little silly.” “Everyone needs a bit of laughter or fun,” York explains. She thinks Thomas should have a costume day or some themed lessons. “Maybe candy or a potluck or something like that would be enjoyable as well,” York continues.
Though TWHS does not do much for Halloween, the school is doing a spirit week for the holiday. With hat day, pink day, and more, complete with costume day on Halloween, the school could get a bit festive this Halloween week. While not everyone dresses up or enjoys Halloween, it may be nice for students to get some candy or enjoy some festive activities.
