Grandview High School’s annual Trick-or-Treat Street, now known as Sweet Street, brought students, families, and community members together for candy, costumes, and creativity. The event was organized by DECA and the Grandview Chronicle, and successfully transformed the school’s hallways into a Halloween celebration for children.

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Callie Lyn-Kew

“This event really helps our students connect with the community,” Mr. Varca, English teacher and Grandview Chronicle advisor, said. “We’re a career and technical education class, so part of our mission is to give back and be involved in community outreach. Trick-or-Treat Street helps us do exactly that.”

Sweet Street has been running since 2019, giving younger children a safe place to trick-or-treat while letting Grandview students take part in planning and decorating.

“The Chronicle is in charge of advertising and promoting it, helping with decorations, and getting it all set up. That’s our main role- decorating, making signs, and helping with some of the advertising,” said Varca.

DECA also partnered with the Chronicle in set-up and organization efforts, led by Naomi Alem and Preethi Gurumurthi. 

“My whole officer team of ten students helps out with the planning and execution of the event. On the night of, we had anywhere from 10-20 student volunteers from DECA. Some are working with our club and some are there with others,” Enright said. 

However, help from all of the Grandview community is what truly made it possible. 

“Last year we also had 28 clubs and sports volunteers- probably 100 students- which was amazing. The club sponsors help by recruiting volunteers, working the event, and planning out their craft or candy table,” Enright said.

This remained consistent with this year’s attendance. Pickleball Club, FBLA, and Yearbook were just some of the clubs that ran games, tables, and handed out candy. The lower commons area was full of fun: limbo, tic-tac-toe, face painting, and more. “It’s really cool to see the community come out and to see students working behind the scenes to make it happen,” Varca said. “When people leave happy, it’s rewarding to know we helped make that positive experience.”

Additionally, costumes and candy were not the only focus of Sweet Street this year. Canned foods and donations were collected for the Wolf pantry- a food pantry that provides food and essential supplies to students and their families who are experiencing food insecurity. “Seeing the kids in costumes and the parents smiling makes all the work worth it,” Enright said. “It’s about giving back and making sure everyone has a fun Halloween experience.”

Through Grandview’s efforts, this year 87 cans were collected, and $49 was raised. This way, the night became a way to give back in more than just one way. “When parents come here and see how welcoming our students are, it gives them a great impression of Grandview,” Varca said. “That’s what high school should be students creating positive experiences for others.”