This year, Bronx Science continued its tradition of celebrating Halloween with the annual Monster Mash. Throughout lunch periods on October 31st, 2018, the cafeteria was filled with costumed students playing games, listening to music, and dancing.

Dancing to music in the school cafeteria on Halloween is a great way to unwind, and this is certainly a time of year when many students at Bronx Science need a break. “I always enjoy Monster Mash because it is a way to relax and loosen up from school. This year, for the seniors, it happened right before the early college applications were due, but I still had fun with my friends. The best part is how the D.J. takes your song request and then you can dance to your favorite song. For example, I loved asking for ‘Cotton Eye Joe,’ ‘[Cupid] Shuffle,’ ‘Cha Cha Slide,’ and ‘Danza Kuduro’– I loved dancing to them with friends,” said Alysa Chen ’19. There was also a costume contest during each lunch period. The winners, including a half-angel half-devil costume, and a costume of Ms. Park, one of our math teachers, received goodie bags and $10 gift certificates to Jay’s or Ned’s food trucks.

“I was immensely proud of the success of this year’s monster mash. Each and every member of cabinet dedicated countless hours after school to painting flats, gathering supplies, and setting up decorations. We had more candy and games than ever before,” said Artea Brahaj ’19.

While the Monster Mash has been an annual event at Bronx Science for years now, this Halloween came with the addition of a new feature to our celebrations, our school’s first very own Haunted House. Students who entered would have to navigate the dark,narrow maze-like ‘halls’ of the Haunted House, with the sights and sounds of projectors and speakers helping to create a spooky atmosphere, while volunteers pop out from the sides, grab them, and scream.

The Haunted House built by members of our Student Organization, who stayed after school in the days leading up to Halloween to paint the walls, and by our dean, Mr. Rainford, whom we have to thank for the Haunted House’s actual construction. The walls were placed in the room at the back of the cafeteria leading to the rear staircase, where the Haunted House was assembled. While this room is normally well-lit, the lights were turned off for the Monster Mash, making the isolated space much darker, with a fitting atmosphere for a Haunted House. All unsuspecting students could do was anticipate what was in store for them inside. The Student Organization also set up balloons and other decorations the day prior, and the tables in the cafeteria were furnished with festive tablecloths and cardboard skulls.

None of the Halloween celebrations would have been possible without the hard work of both the faculty and Student Organization. “I was immensely proud of the success of this year’s monster mash. Each and every member of cabinet dedicated countless hours after school to painting flats, gathering supplies, and setting up decorations. We had more candy and games than ever before,” said Artea Brahaj ’19, the Chair of the event. Thanks to them and their contributions, we were able to have yet another great Halloween celebration this year.