By Ari Case

The leaves are changing, it’s getting chilly and pumpkin spice everything is everywhere. Jack-o-lantern smiles creep around corners and witch’s brews bubble in stores as one of the most popular holidays approaches.  

GS students take Halloween just as seriously as Christmas when it comes to events. Student Council Association (SCA), Mini-THON and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) all have plans for the holiday, not to mention the Greensburg community traditions. 

The first event this month is a Halloween Bash hosted by FCCLA to support breast cancer awareness. On Oct. 24, from 6-8 p.m. in the high school gym, spooky fun and games will be open to any high school student. 

The event is raising money for the Pink Angel Fund with Westmoreland Walks. 

“It is a local nonprofit organization [that] provides research and treatment for those in Westmoreland County who need assistance,” FCS teacher and FCCLA advisor Mrs. Morgan Ferczak said.  

Admission is $10, including one slice of pizza, and $5 of each ticket—sold at lunches—will go directly to the Pink Angel Fund. More food and drink will be available for purchase, and most of the profits will also be donated. 

Beyond concessions, other proceeds will go towards Westmoreland Walks, like the cost of pie a teacher in the face and pumpkin painting. There will also be free activities like karaoke from Show Choir. 

“We hope that you come out and enjoy an evening supporting breast cancer awareness and just being [with] your friends and having good community [fun],” Mrs. Ferczak said.  

And for those with younger siblings, Mini-THON is hosting A Haunting on 65 Mennel Drive on Oct. 26 for all ages.  

To kick it off, kids can get a head-start on candy collection at Trunk or Treat starting at 5:30 p.m. 

After buckets and pillowcases are sufficiently filled, activities will be held in the courtyard, with concessions available for purchase.  

More activities will take place as well, like Pumpkin Chunkin’ for a price of $5. There will be a costume contest and a chance to win prizes including gift cards. 

Communications and Social Media Leader Reagan Lennert said going to the movie in the courtyard is one of her favorite Halloween memories.  

“I remember going to the movie in the courtyard [when] I was in middle school,” Lennert said. “It [was] a lot of fun.” 

Another fun family activity, if the kids involved are not afraid of skeletons, is the Ruggieri Family Halloween House.  

The Ruggieris have turned their entire yard into a spooky exhibition for the whole community, not just because they love Halloween, but for a good cause.  

As people walk through or drive by 636 Mace Street in Southwest Greensburg, they can donate to Skeletons for St. Jude with cash or the online link. 

“As they donate, they can come through and get candy and it’s like this big community-wide thing that brings people together and then raises money for St. Jude’s,” sophomore Emily Ruggieri said.  

Every Friday and Saturday evening through Halloween, anyone is invited to have some spooky fun. The family has put lots of time into creating something truly magical, and it’s an amazing sight. 

“Hopefully it’ll inspire you to, you know, open your hearts and wallets [and] share to people who need it,” Ruggieri said. “But honestly, it’s just a nice thing to do with your family in the evening.” 

Of course, on Oct. 31 itself, SCA is holding the annual Costume Day. 

The dress code still applies, but students are encouraged to have fun with their costumes to celebrate Halloween. Each year memories are made and photos that will be treasured forever are taken, so don’t miss out. 

After classes, get ready for the Greensburg Halloween Parade at Lynch Field. 

Anyone can march along with the GS Marching Band, which will be in costume as well. No registration is necessary and treat bags are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

The line-up for the parade is at 4:45 p.m., with step-off promptly at 5 p.m. 

Shortly after the parade, trick or treating begins in the city at 6 p.m. Until 8 p.m., many houses will be expecting visitors in costume from all over Greensburg, handing out treats to those who say the magic words. 

These and many more activities are open to anyone in Greensburg to celebrate Halloween.  

In the wise words of Tim Burton, “Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? For some of us.”