Exonians Dress up For Halloween Trick-or-Treating
By NICK BAKER, EILENA DING, ALEX LIM, KEVIN THANT, and ANNIE ZHU
With campus still abuzz from last weekend’s events, students prepared for yet another round of Halloween festivities. As the sky dimmed on a warm October afternoon, all sorts of creatures, characters, and witty makeshift costumes from Godzilla to Spiderman headed toward the most anticipated event of all: trick-or-treating.
Halloween at Exeter is, for many students, an opportunity to relive some fun they had back home. “Trick-or-treating was a fun way to spend Thursday night since I got to dress up with friends. It was as if I was back home for Halloween.” lower Maya Hinrichsen commented.
“I loved hanging out with my friends, dressing up, and getting candy,” said prep Faye Yang.
Lower Beverly Dolo had decided she was going to dress up in multiple different costumes because she loves the holiday so much, explaining, “It’s so fun to dress up and be another person for a day, and it’s so fun seeing everyone else’s costumes.”
These students were only three of the many Exeter students who spent their Thursday night dressing up and collecting candy. It’s been a long-lasting tradition for Exonians to trick-or-treat amongst the faculty houses, and is one of the events of the year that truly builds community.
“It’s a great way to be part of this community and socialize with friends, and they are going to live great memories.” Math instructor Shaocheng Ma remarked.
When asked about the more popular trick-or-treating spots, students highlighted Principal Rawson’s house. “He was super sweet about it and gave us good advice about school,” lower Lena Kook said. Kook’s sentiment is echoed by many other students who found Rawson’s house a popular trick-or-treating spot.
“Gardener’s street had a lot of full-size candy bars,” said lower Madelyn Angelin, describing her candy haul.
Upper Wilson Rhee agreed, emphasizing, “My favorite part of Halloween was definitely going to Principal Rawson’s house and greeting him.”
However, despite the fun of Halloween, many Exeter students felt that it wasn’t catered to their schedules. “The official town hours for trick-or-treating in Exeter are from 4-7 pm, and because sports end at 6, I also had to shower and eat dinner,” Hinrichsen said. “ My friends and I searched around town for houses still handing out candy after 7, or at least the ones who had left a bowl on their porch and hadn’t run out.”
Lower Lena Kook agreed. “I also wish it was kind of on the weekend or we had a late check-in, so that’s easier to do because some people have an orchestra, so that I couldn’t do it for so long,” she said.
Many students found it challenging to get a good haul, given that most of their sports end at six. The schedule also collided with many orchestra schedules. “It’s not surprising, though, given that it’s catered towards younger children,” said Angelin.
Additionally, students expressed that their workloads nearing the end of the term impeded celebrating Halloween. “I’m planning to catch up on my studying during Halloween,” prep Leo Wolanski said. “Usually, I have time for Halloween when I’m back home, but I can’t be too excited for it right now.”
“Many of my friends were forced to abandon the trick-or-treating group,” Rhee recalled. “They had to work on their college apps or go on duty in the dorm.”
Another criticism this year’s festivities faced was how it was muted compared to last year. “I feel like this year was kind of low-key. It brings up the spirit, so I think more people should be involved,” Kook commented.
Anglin agreed, adding, “ I think it was fun for the most part, but I feel like there were less houses giving out candy, compared to last year. “
As the night came to a close, students were left with bags full of candy and smiling faces. Although life at Exeter is often busy and stressful, Halloween night was a great way for Exonians to have fun with friends and show some fall spirit.
Sean Ricard / The Exonian