October in NVD was full with many activities to celebrate the start of fall and Halloween.
The Wellness Center organized a pumpkin painting opportunity during the lunch period for the week of the 21-25. Ms. Delventhal & Ms. Bajakian, the wellness counselors, explained how the idea came from a similar event at another school.
“Originally we had wanted to do a pumpkin smashing event that we modeled after another high school’s Wellness Center,” Delventhal said.
However, after hearing NVD students and what they would enjoy, the event was changed to be more artistic.
“Our students kept asking to do decorations on the pumpkins, so we listened. It has been great to see all the beautiful artwork unfold,” Bajakian said.
Other than just being a creative outlet and a chance for NVD students to socialize, the pumpkin decorating was able to raise money for hurricane relief. Every student who painted a pumpkin paid a $5 fee which was later donated.
“The event raised $50 towards the hurricane relief efforts. We shared these funds with Mr. Pugliese (Student Council advisor) to pool resources with other clubs,” Delventhal said.
Other than just the pumpkin painting, NVD held its annual Trunk or Treat Oct. 30. The Trunk or Treat included many clubs bringing cars filled with candy that were open for Trick or Treating.
“People of all ages were there, including my teachers, high school students, little kids, and parents,” Avery Morrison said.
Many students that are members of different clubs came to volunteer at the event and hand out candy using their trunks.
“I was there for my own enjoyment, though many others I know were helping out their clubs for the school,” Morrison said.
The last of the October events at NVD was a Halloween costume contest that happened on Halloween. During the lunch period, the Varsity club ran a school wide contest for the best costumes.
“I really enjoyed watching the costume contest during lunch. Everyone had very unique ideas, and it was very entertaining seeing them break into their character,” sophomore Ziv Marcovitz said.
Throughout the contest, student support from the crowd helped show NVD spirit.
“School spirit was shown… by everyone coming together and cheering on the people [in the contest],” freshman Maya Snir said.
Students of both freshman and sophomore grades joined the contest. They were able to display their unique costumes to their classmates.
“I joined the contest because I really just enjoy dressing up for Halloween. And I just want to show everyone my costume to see if they know the character was” sophomore Kiyan Premani said.
By the end of the contest, one winner had to be chosen for best costume; the winner was freshman Audrey Sneed who was dressed up as Lord Farquaad from Shrek.
“I was excited but not too surprised [to win],” Sneed said, “because well who doesn’t love Lord Farquaad?”
