On Oct. 29, Parkway West High hosted the fourth annual trunk or treat, which started three years ago in 2022 to involve more elementary school kids and give back to the Parkway West community. Initiated by Longhorn Council (LOCO), they have continued to organize and take responsibility for running the event.

Since the beginning, the purpose, values and spirit have remained the same. LOCO strives to uplift the community through various events and donations. This year all their money is going to the Parkway Food Pantry. LOCO Director Katelyn Arenos reflects on her experience and LOCO’s objective for the event.

“Longhorn Council’s goal is to give back. We always pick some type of philanthropy every year, so this is our way of giving back to the community [by creating] a fun and safe place [for kids] to trick-or-treat. I think it’s great for all of us to get together and just enjoy a couple of hours together too,” Arenos said.

While tradition carries on, there have been changes in the past few years. For example, this year, the participants had to adapt and move inside because of the weather. In addition, in Trunk or Treat’s first year, there was a turnout of five to six different trunks. This year, there were upwards of 25 different tables set up to give out candy. Arenos reflects on Trunk or Treat’s impressive growth while appreciating the other changes of the event.

“We have more than doubled from the last couple of years. [The event] just keeps growing every year, which is the goal. I do like [Trunk or Treat] being inside this year because it takes that weather side out of it,” Arenos said.

However, this exciting growth has not come without hard work and preparation. Along with other efforts, LOCO members put up posters and flyers around the school, inviting anyone willing to come. Junior class president Adam Thomas talks more about this process.

“A lot of the preparation for this event was reaching out [to clubs, students and interested parties] and making sure they all had a table. Another thing we did was reach out to the middle school and elementary schools to let them know about this big and fun event for all the kids to come and attend. The band is also here to play, which is really exciting for the community,” Thomas said.

Every year, the band, which performs at many community events, plays some pep tunes for Trunk or Treat. One of these performers was sophomore Charlie Brady, who plays snare drum in the band.

“It’s always nice to have some music [at] big group events like this. It adds more school spirit to have the band get up here to play [Halloween-themed] tunes. Performances like these are super fun because they’re a little more light-hearted. It really makes me feel proud to be in the band because you see people enjoying their time, and it makes me feel like we contribute a lot,” Brady said.

Representing their clubs, other students also reciprocated the sentiment of giving back. It also offers them a chance to remember their own childhood memories. Junior Alisha Yin gives her input on the day while operating the table for the Speech and Debate Club.

“I think it’s great that our school is offering opportunities for Halloween spirit and overall fun. It’s really nostalgic to see all the children running around and getting candy because it reminds me of when I was a kid. It’s really cool to be in the position to give them the same experience,” Yin said.

With many people helping to organize and make this event as successful as it was, it reached its end goal of making kids happy. Students from around the district were able to attend the event and have fun, parents were given a safe space for their children to trick-or-treat and student volunteers were able to reflect on the memories they’ve made and cherish their new ones.

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Ella Conrey

Laughing with her friends, sophomore Lily Kilgore hands out candy. Kilgore focused on getting the most out of this experience as she possibly could. “I was there for Trunk or Treat for the club I’m in, Deaf Inclusion, with the rest of my club members to spread our group to others,” Kilgore said.