Bananas and Men in Black: Halloween Parade 2022 Mandy S. '26 and Ella B. '25

As students and faculty make their way onto Frank Field, members of Westridge’s Associated Student Body start to shout out unique costumes on the speakers—“Fireboy and Watergirl,” “Bananas,” and “Toy Story” among them. The sun beats down on students, and those in full body costumes struggle with the heat. Once everyone settles into spots around the cone-marked circle, the announcer calls for the seniors, all dressed as the Men In Black, to emerge from Hoffmann Gym.

The Halloween Parade is a big part of Westridge’s culture and spirit. Manon I. ’26 said, “I don't remember my old school or knowing that other schools do big parades or celebrations. It’s just fun seeing everybody in the costume. Having competition is like a small break from school.”

The Associated Student Body (ASB) decides every year who the judges will be for the Halloween Parade. This year they chose Campus Safety and Security Manager Anthony Scearce, 7th grade Science teacher Barbara Chabot, and Assistant to the Director of Upper School Ashley Leonard. The judges had to look for costumes that fit best each category while also making sure that the awards equally went to Lower, Middle, and Upper School. Here are the category winners:

Rolling in My Grave Award (Funniest Costume):

WINNER: Wanted Posters—Charlotte H. ’29, Sofia R. ’29, Tessa R. ’29, Lyla S-A. ’29

Ghouliest Group Award (Best Group Costume):

WINNER: Jackson 5—Lauren L. ’25, Jordan C. ’24, Jade I. ’24, Kaya I. ’24, Erin L. ’24, and Brooklyn P. ’25

Hodge Podge Award (Most Creative DIY Costume):

WINNER: Camel—Sophie O. ’26, Lucia F-R. ’26, and Teia L. ’26

Boo Award (Scariest Costume):

WINNER: Plague Mask—Anoush J. ’30

Eeriest Employees Award (Faculty and Staff Costume):

WINNER: Unicorn—Dan Perahya

Last year, the location of the Halloween Parade was changed from the usual Hoffmann Gym to Frank Field to accommodate safety guidelines for COVID. Because of the success of last year’s outdoor setting, the parade remained outside this year, and will remain so in future years.

Due to COVID restrictions, last year’s Halloween Parade was streamed online for parents. This year, parents were invited back to watch in person. Christina Bell, parent of an 8th grade student, commented on the differences between watching the parade online and in person. “The in-person [parade] is much better. It’s more fun to see everybody. They did a good job with the online parade last year, but I think the parade is better in person.”

Once students began to make their rounds around Frank Field, Holly N. ’25 reflected upon what Halloween means to students and faculty at Westridge, “I think that Halloween at Westridge is something that we’ve made special. I know I can always look forward to it.”

Appreciate