Halloween night sparks excitement for children and adults alike, and this year UC High is hosting a Spooky Night to bring the community together. From spooky decorations to sugar rushes, the UC Cluster’s 2023 Halloween event will connect UC High with the community’s elementary schools of Spreckels, Doyle, and Curie, along with Standley Middle School..

   Piloted by UC High’s Associated Student Body (ASB), the event seeks to connect the school to its future Centurions. “Spooky Night will be held on October 30 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on campus in front of the gym, in some hallways, and in the quad,” said Club Community Outreach Commissions Lead Senior Kennedy Selleck. She added, “The goal is to have a fun, safe, and inclusive community environment for the entire UC Cluster to create a community of friendship so that changing schools is less scary.” Community events like these are designed to unite the varying schools and the families of University City. Selleck added that this event was inspired in part by Spreckles Elementary’s “Trunk or Treat” event, and should mimic, “…your standard carnival with a spooky twist.” 

   Tickets, cleverly called “BooBucks” to fit the atmosphere of the spooky night, can be purchased at specific booths throughout the event, with prices ranging from 50 cents to one dollar. These tickets will act like a currency, and can be used to play games, purchase food, and partake in fun activities such as face painting. Pricing for specific games will be visible at the booths, according to Selleck. 

   Community Outreach Commission Member Sophomore Nikki Godwin said, “There will be a cakewalk, fun carnival games, free activities, a costume contest, and a pumpkin pie-eating contest.” Alongside all these exciting activities, there will be haunted hallways where kids can trick or treat in the different classrooms. Participants greatest worry should shift from being late to class to what spooky encounter may be around the next corner.

    UC High students are encouraged to join in on the frightening festivities and connect with fellow community members. Godwin expressed great excitement about seeing fellow peers participate in the event and show support, recommending it as an activity for entire families to engage in. Freshman Faline Rojas said, “I am excited about the haunt, the spook, and all the fun that we are going to have as a class, especially as freshmen.” Selleck said, “I want to invite all UC students to help the community by volunteering to decorate a kid-friendly trunk or help ASB run a booth. You can make inquiries on the UC High Community Outreach club’s Instagram.” The account can be reached at @uchs_communityoutreach.

   A variety of school organizations look to take part in the event. “Book Club, Music and Audio Engineering Club, Engineers of The Future, Film/Photography Club, Key Club, Crochet and Knit Club, Social Change Club, and HOSA are all planning to participate with a booth,” said Selleck. Remember to make sure to stop by and check out the clubs of UC High.

   Halloween this year can be a fulfilling experience at UC High for all ages. UC Cluster’s Spooky Night 2023 looks to be an amazing event open to anyone who wishes to come. So make sure to hang out and show your support for the UC community.