Halloween is a day of tricks and treats, not to mention the candy we eat. On this Halloween Day, I had the opportunity to attend the Senior Costume Contest. Countless students were seen wearing their Halloween best. WACS couldn’t pass up the chance to get up and close and learn more about these festive fits.  

Seniors were directed by Mrs. Mertz and featured announcer (and contestant) Anthony Kudla. The only students allowed to attend the contest, which had taken place in the auditorium, were juniors as well as the seniors’ non-costume-wearing comrades. Before watching these events unfold, WACS needed words from the participants themselves — from Elton John to Pitbull!  

When asked how long she had been planning her costume, Kirsten S. (dressed as Jack Sparrow) said, “I have been planning this since May; that’s when I went to Disney and rediscovered my love for Pirates of the Caribbean. I made the wig myself!”  

Kirsten and her fellow contestants all put a significant amount of effort into these costumes. Not just singular outfits, there had even been groups of seniors — all committing to one idea and making it work. For example, the Wo(men) in Black! 

When asked how Ava DiMao and her crew came up with such an idea, she stated, “Well, it was Taylor Lavarnway’s idea. And since there were fifteen of us, this was the easiest thing to do.”  

Which we love, by the way. Even with convenience, they pulled this together. 

Finally, after the ceremony ended and seniors had moved to the cafeteria for donuts and cider, Mrs. Mertz announced the winners! Best Solo Costume: Kirsten Schindler | Most Original: The Group “Legends of Rock” | Most Energetic: Matthew Cooper 

More information is available on the WACS YouTube channel, where we ask all the special people about their costumes.