Each year, as October 31st approaches, many high school students debate whether or not to dress up for Halloween. For some, it feels like a tradition meant only for kids. But among this year’s seniors, the trend seems to be shifting; students are embracing costumes again, going all out, and realizing how much fun it actually is.

There has long been an unspoken stigma around Halloween, especially in high school. Some students worry they’ll be judged for dressing up. In reality, most people agree that the holiday is more enjoyable when everyone participates. When more students wear costumes, the energy on campus changes; it becomes exciting, and there is more school spirit.

To see how seniors are approaching Halloween this year, two students shared their plans. Senior Faith McLennan said she’s planning to dress up as a bride this Halloween, an idea that came to her after finding a white dress she loved. “I just thought it would be fun to go all out with the veil and everything,” McLennan said. “Some people told me it’s a weird costume, but I think it’ll look great. My advice is to find a clothing item you love and build a costume around it.”

Senior Nathan Asfaw has a different approach; he’s channeling his inner superhero. “I’m going as Spider-Man this year,” Asfaw said. “It’s a fun costume, and who doesn’t like Spider-Man? I wanted to pick something I actually like, and just go for it.” He added that his advice for others is to “be unique and choose a character or costume that you genuinely enjoy.”

For many students, confidence plays a big role in whether or not they dress up. When kids are younger, Halloween is all about the biggest and boldest costumes. As students enter their teenage years, though, that enthusiasm often fades. Costumes become simpler, or some stop dressing up altogether because their friends aren’t doing it. But by senior year, attitudes start to change again. Many students feel more comfortable expressing themselves and are less concerned about what others think.

As Asfaw and McLennan show, seniors are starting to reclaim the fun of Halloween, and encouraging others to do the same. Dressing up isn’t childish; it’s a way to be creative and build community spirit.

Halloween at school is ultimately what students make of it. When everyone participates, it brings the community together and reminds everyone, no matter their age, that it’s okay to have fun and be a little silly.