As Halloween approaches, Palatine High School students are abuzz with excitement, all adding their own unique twist to the season’s celebrations.
“I’m excited to see a bunch of Halloween costumes, hang out with my friends and have fun,” freshman Phoenix Perez said.
A recent survey of 21 students from various grades offers insight into how the holiday is being embraced this year.
The survey reveals that 61.9% of students are eager to participate in trick-or-treating, showing a strong interest in this time-honored tradition.
The primary motivation for trick-or-treating among students is to enjoy the fun of spending time with friends and the thrill of collecting free candy. On the other hand, students who have opted out of trick-or-treating often cite feeling too old for the activity or noting a decline in the number of participants in their neighborhoods.
“I like Halloween because I’m able to dress up as anything and not feel awkward,” senior Jackie Ramirez said. “I also get to hang out with friends and eat a lot of candy.”
Costume choices this year are diverse and imaginative. Among the most popular costumes are classic favorites like superheroes, but many students are opting for creative and unique outfits. Sophomore Zuli Diaz plans to dress as a crayon, while Ramirez is excited to debut her Cheetos Bag costume.
For those who will be trick-or-treating, the majority plan to do so with friends and family, with very few going out alone. However, not all students will be hitting the streets for candy. Some will be celebrating Halloween in alternative ways, such as attending Fright Fest or enjoying horror movies at home.
Despite the shift in some students’ Halloween habits, the spirit of the holiday remains strong at PHS. Whether through dressing up in imaginative costumes, gathering for festive events, or indulging in their favorite candies, students are finding joy in celebrating Halloween in their own unique ways.
This year, Palatine’s trick-or-treating hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. In addition to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, Palatine High School will be hosting a Trick-or-Treat Festival for younger kids in the community. This year’s Trick-or-Treat Festival will take place on Oct. 24, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. More information can be found on Palatine High School’s website.
High school students can volunteer at the event, helping to create a fun and safe environment with activities, games and candy.
