The wrinkling of candy wrappers can be heard as sweets are passed out to kids dressed up in Halloween costumes. Clubs and organizations gather around the parking lot and deck out their cars in spooky decorations, play fun activities and invite the community to be involved with the schools’ programs. 

Trunk or Treat returns on Oct. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is hosted by the Student Council and the mission of the event is to get the community involved with the clubs at school and provide service opportunities for students.

“Trunk or Treat is an event for the community and I really look forward to it every year,” AP Biology Teacher and Student Council sponsor Adam Babich said. “Part of the school’s job is to stay connected with the community and its members, and I really think Trunk or Treat does that in an incredible way.

This evening, the front parking lot will be filled with cars and people. Trunk or Treat is a staple in the fall semester: community members gather together to talk to the students about the organizations they’re a part of. This enables both students and the community to come together. 

“It’s great to see the community members come out and enjoy themselves,” Babich said. “Even the organizations that pull it off enjoy it too. It’s a great way to come together for the season and contribute to the community.”

Organizations like PALS, Student Council and Theater run booths that feature interactive activities which attract students, families and the overall community to take interest in those clubs and their upcoming events. Ranging from festive trivia, ring tossing and a dunk tank, there are plenty of activities to choose from. 

“The student organizations put on some really cool interactive activities and try to tie to their theme,” Babich said. “I think the Environmental Club is planning on setting up a basketball booth, but instead of a ball, they’re playing with recyclables. Having the organizations set up things that are specific to their own theme like that is something so unique, so I just think it’s really incredible.”

In the past, PALS, the Peer Assistance Leadership and Service, has hosted many memorable activities. This year, they are planning on setting up an inflatable pool filled with rubber ducks, and the player has to scoop them out. On each duck, there will be either a pie-in-the-face duck or a candy duck. This is an activity that brings laughter to kids’ faces, which is something that PALS aim to do.

“I’m really looking forward to all of the booths there,” PALS senior Kailey Kirkland said. “I’m also excited to see how all of the games and such play out. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the kids’ costumes and everyone having fun and enjoying what we have put together for the community.”

Trunk or Treat’s tradition carries through generations of students. Siblings of high school students visit the event, and learn to carry the tradition through their own high school career. 

“When younger siblings of high school students come to Trunk or Treat grow up and get into the school, they typically say, ‘Oh, I remember when I was a kid and we came here!’ and I really look forward to that reaction,” Babich said. “It’s really incredible to see how younger siblings of high school students come to the event and how they grow up with this tradition.”

Overall, the impact that Trunk or Treat has on the school and community is widespread, and it brings along students and community members to come and celebrate the season together, according to Babich. 

“Everybody has a really good time,” Babich said. “It’s just a great event for everybody to get together outside. It’s great to see not only the community come out and enjoy themselves, but also the student organizations.”