'Happy Hersey Halloween' back for another year, even bigger

Every school year as October rolls around, the John Hersey High School Choral Department temporarily puts down its music and pulls out its pumpkins, scarecrows, and bales of hay in preparation for one of its favored events, the Happy Hersey Halloween.

Eight years ago, the choral program decided that this annual event was a way to give back to a community that had demonstrated its support in so many ways.

Choral Director Sara Michael said, "Usually a choir event centers around the high school students and what they have accomplished, but parents and children entering Hersey on Friday, Oct. 30, from 5:30-8 p.m. will have a completely different experience: activities that center around them.

"Our students become excited about making the day special and memorable for people whom they don't even know."

The Choral Department takes over most of the school and transforms it into a Halloween playland. The cafeteria becomes a Funhouse with games and activities; the library houses magicians and fortune tellers; the academic hallways turn into a trick-or-treat extravaganza.

There is a scavenger hunt and photo opportunities are available in the Hersey Pumpkin Patch. And, there is candy, a lot of candy. The first year, approximately 250 children took part, but in the past few years that number has grown to over 700 children, celebrating and enjoying Halloween in the halls of Hersey.

New this year is the choir program's decision to use this day as a means to help support the John Hersey community. While the event is free to the public, the organizers are requesting that attendees donate a nonperishable food item that will benefit the Hersey Family Food Drive.

Last year, the choirs put together 25 baskets to feed area families in need during the Thanksgiving Holiday. This year's goal is to double that number.

For details about Happy Hersey Halloween, contact Joann Langley at (847) 718-4942 or e-mail joann.langley@d214.org.