Children dressed as goblins, princesses, animals and action figures flooded Eisenhower High School in Blue Island on Thursday evening, where groups from the school and community were on hand to pass out treats and have fun.
The children came with parents, many who also dressed up, from Blue Island, Alsip, Robbins, Merrionette Park and nearby in Blue Island. Some even came from as far as Chicago’s North Side.
They painted pumpkins and their faces, played with giant Lego bricks, challenged each other at foosball and checkers and raced in and out of tunnels in a giant bouncy house.
The free event was geared for those under age 12, but the school collected dollar donations in exchange for salty snacks and cider to raise money for scholarships and the National Honor Society.
“This event is definitely bigger than last year, which was well attended,” said Ray Stadt, assistant principal for activities at the school. “Around 60 alumni came with their families.”
One alum made a novel appearance, though he didn’t dress up.
Niko Spizzirri, a 2014 graduate, and his wife Sharon displayed their collection of rescued reptiles — tortoises, a blue-tongued skink, a large yellow reticulated python and a tegu lizard from Argentina. They established the nonprofit Spizzirri Reptile Rescue & Rehabilitation in 2014 in Momence.
“Some people might be drawn to the spookiness factor, but I saw this as an opportunity to educate children and give them a hands-on experience that changes what they think about reptiles,” Niko Spizzirri said. “I wanted them to know snakes are not slimy and lizards aren’t going to bite you.”
When he encouraged Tyler Havelett, of Oak Forest, to approach the python, the boy seemed reluctant but soon relaxed and wanted to know all about the creature. His mother, Maloree Havelett found out about the Eisenhower Spooktacular through social media.
School administrators also posted flyers at the Blue Island, Robbins, Alsip and Merrionette Park village halls and police stations. They also got the word out through teachers and students who took an active role in making the event a “spooktacular” success.
In a long hallway leading to the gymnasium and cafeteria, students and teachers representing Eisenhower clubs and organizations passed out candy. Those organizations included the Cardinal Speech Team, Drama Club, National Honor Society, Mathletes, Leo Club, Express Show Choir, Youth and Government, Student Council and Educators Rising.
“This isn’t exactly an activities fair,” said Mark Urban, English teacher, community relations liaison and activities facilitator for the school. “It’s a community event. But we found working with teachers and the student organizations is a great way to get students involved.”
Other students roamed about in costumes, welcoming the crowd and encouraging children to participate in activities.
Wearing a top-heavy Bob the Minion costume, Eisenhower student Nicholas Navarrete waved to children and families preparing to pose for family photos near a spooky backdrop and hay bales that provided group seating.
Having performed in school plays and musicals as well as choral activities, he welcomed the chance to take on a new role and make the children smile.
“I decided to do this because I know it’s fun for the kids and nice to have interactions with the parents,” Navarrete said. “It’s great to see all the liveliness going on.”
Dressed in a yellow shirt and blue coverall, Itzel Trinidad, a junior, stood nearby and served as a spotter for Navarrete, whose peripheral vision was compromised by the costume. At one point she prevented him from tripping over a pot of mums.
“I’m a lighter version of a Minion,” said Trinidad, a member of the National Honor Society and Leo Club. “I really enjoy helping out with school events.”
Surrounded by kids playing games in the cafeteria, Leslie Bello, a senior dressed in a Daffy Duck costume, waved friendly hellos to young visitors. “I wanted to volunteer and spread joy,” she said, barely audible inside the large cartoon head.
Yanni Claybourne, a senior, braved the evening’s record warmth in a fleece Paw Patrol character costume. Wearing a long blue dress, Clara Gonzalez, a junior, impersonated Elsa from the Disney movie “Frozen.” They both welcomed families to a darkened school courtyard which served as a spooky pumpkin patch decorated with purple lights.
Jeanean Scott brought her young daughter Laila to pick out a pumpkin. “My son’s a junior here, and I think this event is awesome, really cool. I like that it’s safe for children.”
The event was indicative of a high demand for safe Halloween activities.
“So many families came this year, we ran out of candy,” said Fernando Flores, a senior wearing a black cape and fake mustache who was a greeter near the school’s entrance.
The candy shortage occurred about an hour and a half into the two-hour event. But while supplies lasted, kids continued to open their trick-or-treat bags, even as they continued to play.
In the gymnasium, they collected candy from an administrative assistant who works in the school’s attendance office and members of the Alsip, Blue island and Merrionette Park police departments.
“We decided to participate because police get a bad rap,” said Merrionette Park police Officer Rhea Robinson. “We’re there to get the bad guys but we’re there for the good guys too. We get some negative vibes, and we don’t want it to be that way. We love kids and families. We want people to know, we’re here for them.”
One youngster sensed the warm vibes. Dressed as Spider-Man, he approached Davon Sangster, a Merrionette Park community service officer, who also was dressed as Spider-Man. The boy smiled and suddenly did a backflip, then disappeared into the bouncy house. “That was amazing!” Sangster said.
Other children seemed intrigued by Sangster’s impersonation of Spider-Man and approached with big smiles. In return they received plenty of high-fives and mini chocolate bars. “I’m here because I love to help my community,” Sangster said. “That’s the best part of my job.”
The school plans to host a Winter Wonderland event for kids in December.
Susan DeGrane is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
