Annual Halloween Parade is Spooktacular
Last Friday, October 30th, Berkeley kicked off a spooky start to Halloween. No matter where you looked, comical and unnerving garb permeated the halls. Every year, Berkeley faculty and students of all ages dress up to celebrate the holiday. In Upper Division, students pay $5.00, which goes towards the Students Helping Students Scholarship Fund, to dress up in costume for the day. This small fee certainly doesn’t deter high school students from dressing up in style. Although Upper Division students have fun picking out costumes and coordinating outfits with friends, the real stars of the Halloween jubilee are the Lower Division students who march around school in Berkeley’s much-anticipated annual Halloween Parade.
After morning convocation on Friday, masses of students quickly swarmed around campus, assuming positions around the kiosk in order to get a good view of the parade route. Minutes later, as Berkeley’s Upper and Middle Division waited in anticipation, the first wave of costumed little ones began. Arranged and packed neatly into one adorable line, Berkeley’s Lower Division strutted the halls of Berkeley Prep with some spooky style.
As always, the Lower Division students were dressed up in the most creative, funny and spooky costumes. Notable impersonators walking the hallways included: Olaf, of the hit Disney animated movie, “Frozen;” Mal, the daughter of Maleficent in Disney’s hit tween movie, “The Descendants;” Harry Potter, of the “Harry Potter” novels by J.K. Rowling; and a scintillatingly green Creeper, of the wildly popular children’s computer game, “Minecraft.” In addition, a cluster of children donned garb straight from the sets of the classic “Star Wars” movies. Princess Leia, Jedi Obi Wan Kenobi and Sith Lord Darth Vader all made an impression at Berkeley’s eerie yet adorable runway, possibly in preparation for Disney’s upcoming and highly anticipated film, “The Force Awakens.” The corridors of Berkeley also made a political statement, as Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump shocked onlookers, donning an impeccable toupee and a impossible-to-miss sign with the message “Make America Great.” Many other classic fan favorites – ghosts, witches, Disney princesses, Transformers, Ninja Turtles and superheroes – made an appearance during the festive parade It was clear to all onlookers that the children, grinning vivaciously and full of spritely energy, were having the time of their lives showing off their costumes to their older peers.
However, Lower Division students weren’t the only ones to participate in the parade; Lower Division teachers also joined in the fun. Marching right alongside their students, the Lower Division teachers looked coordinated and festive for Halloween in their creative costumes. First Grade Teacher Christina Gilden dressed up as a TY Beanie Baby with the other first grade teachers. They all sported cherry-red, heart-shaped logos and dazzling accessories to complete the festive look.
It was clear that this year’s Halloween parade was particularly notable, as evidenced by the diverse and enthusiastic reactions of Berkeley students. Mason Gilden ‘16 commented, “This year’s Halloween parade was particularly spooky and spectacular!” Other students commented on which looks stood out in their minds. Emme Pogue ‘18 gushed about some of the costumes she witnessed. “My favorite was the kid dressed like Donald Trump!” she said.
Whether they walked in the parade or observed all of the costumes, students and teachers alike across the divisions had a fun and festive time. As always, Berkeley’s Halloween Parade was an unforgettable event for all.
