The Mount Morris Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center and Academy students worked together to create a memorable Halloween celebration for young children from their on-site playgroup and local daycare center, Amy’s Angels Child Care. Human Services teacher Marcia Underwood, along with her students, took the lead in organizing the event, which brought Halloween excitement to about 30 young children who trick-or-treated through the hallways of both the CTE and Academy sides of the school. The students’ collaboration showcased a true community effort to make the day special for their young guests.
The children arrived in costumes, eager to explore the decorated hallways. Students from both CTE and the Academy’s alternative education and special education programs transformed their spaces with festive decorations and spooky door displays, creating a Halloween wonderland for the children to enjoy. “The kids were so excited to see all the different decorations and meet everyone,” said Human Services teacher Marcia Underwood. “It was wonderful to see our students’ hard work pay off in such a positive way for the little ones.”
The event wasn’t just a treat for the preschoolers—it was also a valuable experience for the CTE and Academy students. Organizing the event gave them hands-on practice in teamwork, event planning, and community engagement, skills that are essential for those considering careers in caregiving, health, and social services. “Our goal is to create experiences that allow our students to learn in meaningful ways and to build connections with our community,” Underwood added. “This Halloween event is something we all look forward to each year.”
Culinary students from CTE joined the fun by setting up stations along the trick-or-treat route. As the children walked by, Culinary students handed out candy and gave high-fives, adding to the friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Students in the Academy’s alternative and special education programs were equally excited to take part in the festivities. Many spent hours designing Halloween-themed doors, with designs ranging from friendly ghosts to classic jack-o'-lanterns, adding to the Halloween spirit that filled the halls.
As they moved through the hallways, the children collected treats and enjoyed the colorful decorations. For them, it was an adventure filled with laughter, candy, and high-fives from enthusiastic students. The trick-or-treating event offered a safe, supportive environment for the preschoolers to celebrate Halloween, while giving the older students a chance to give back to their community. “I’m so proud of our students for putting their hearts into this event,” Underwood said. “The smiles on the kids’ faces were priceless.”
Staff members from Amy’s Angels Child Care expressed gratitude for the thoughtful Halloween event. Many noted how safe and welcoming it felt for their children, knowing that both CTE and Academy students had put so much effort into making it special.
The Halloween celebration was a true community effort, bringing together students from various programs to create an experience that was both fun and educational. The teamwork between CTE and Academy students demonstrated the value of collaboration and community involvement, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
As the event came to a close, both students and teachers reflected on the day’s success and the joy they had brought to their young visitors. The Halloween event was more than just costumes and candy; it was an opportunity to connect, give back, and create lasting memories for the children, the students, and the entire school community.