Not-So-Scary Halloween Was a Terrific Treat for All
Bewitching Activity Enthralls Sayville School Trick or Treaters
Smiling faces were everywhere—approximately seven hundred of them, even if many were behind masks—at the Not-So-Scary Halloween event held at the High School. Sayville elementary school students—many in elaborate and clever costumes—and their families came for the fun, presented by SADD and the Middle School/High School PTA. Enthusiastic High School volunteers from a variety of clubs prepared themed stations for the children to visit, play a trick, find a treat, and have their faces painted. Black and orange streamers, draped from the ceiling, provided just-enough-spooky ambiance as the children followed the guided and sometimes musical journey through the imaginatively decorated High School halls
The thrilling experience ended in the cafeteria where home-baked goodies and assorted treats, sold by the PTA, awaited the trick-or-treaters, and where everyone had an opportunity to mingle, show off their costumes, and compare their Halloween stash. PTA President Josephine Contaldi commented, “Watching high school, middle school and elementary students have fun together was my perfect initiation to this wonderful event.
SADD Advisor Margie Dashiell acknowledged the exceptional support of the more than sixteen High School Clubs members and teacher advisors who donned costumes and engaged the students in lively entertainment, along with the MSHSPTA members, who helped coordinate the event. Wisely, staggered starting times (Sunrise at 5:30, Lincoln at 6:15 and Cherry at 7:00 pm) forestalled congestion and facilitated a steady flow of trick-or-treat traffic, increasing overall enjoyment. While the event was free, the Middle School HOPE club collected canned-goods donations at the door to support their food drive. "We believe Not-So-Scary Halloween was a huge success," said co-Presidents Robert Doyle and Sophia Montalto. "...and we fully hope to bring this back as an annual tradition for Sayville High School."
The children may have left with bags of candy, but the amount of happiness the activity brought to all—no matter the age—was the greatest, albeit intangible, treat that no Halloween bag could contain.