As October comes to an end, neighborhoods set out glowing pumpkins, bags of candy, and children excitedly planning their Halloween costumes. Yet, when Halloween arrives, many schools look surprisingly ordinary.
According to a student poll posted on @ahswarriormedia Instagram’s account, 26 percent of students plan to wear a costume to school on Halloween this year, while 74 percent said they won’t wear a costume. Based on the results, nearly three out of four students will be missing out on one of the most creative and friendship-building traditions of the school year.
“I feel like Halloween costumes are a little too overrated for school, and I feel like it’d be more appropriate for a school environment to be wearing school clothes, such as regular pants or shorts and a regular shirt,” Rilen Levitt ‘27 said.
I believe people should wear costumes to show school spirit.
Halloween gives students a chance to express themselves beyond their usual clothing. Some students spend weeks designing/picking clever costumes, whether it’s a favorite superhero, a celebrity, or a funny homemade idea made with cardboard and paint. Costumes allow everyone to show off their originality and personality in a way that normal school days don’t allow. “As a little kid, I always knew that I liked Spider-Man, so I’m matching with my friends,” Donavynn Dao ‘29 said.
Schoolwide costume participation shows school spirit. When everyone gets involved, it creates the best memories. Hallways full of costumes can turn a normal school day into a day students will remember all year. It helps students, reminding us that school isn’t only about grades and tests, it’s also about community.
Participating in events like this can also reduce stress and boost morale. As the semester becomes more intense, people often feel overwhelmed by homework, exams, and deadlines. According to Calm.com, “When you’re focusing on a creative activity, you may notice that time flies by, and that’s because these activities help bring you into the present moment, which could result in you entering a flow state.”
A fun, festive atmosphere that gives students a break and reminds them that school can be enjoyable, too. In many ways, a costume day encourages positivity, and that energy lasts well beyond Halloween.
When schools allow and encourage this kind of spirit, they send a great message: that learning and creativity can exist together. So next year, instead of leaving your costume at home, consider joining the fun.
