So… that was awesome!
Last Friday, October 30th, our school transformed into a full-blown spooky wonderland for what turned out to be our biggest and most well-attended Spooktacular yet!
The thrills, chills, and giggles galore from Carthay kids and their grownups last week are still echoing through the Carthay Corridor, but the memories and impact of our most ambitious and successful Spooktacular to date will outlast them all.
Between the professional-grade Haunted House, irresistible carnival games, delectable Cake Walk confections, inflatable adventures, cutthroat costume contest, glitter-covered pumpkin patch, (severed) finger foods, and Día de los Muertos celebraciones, there was a LOT to see and do. And judging by the number of kids who didn't want to leave (and parents who looked ready to collapse come 6:30), I'd say it was a pretty paranormal success.
The Carthay teacher crew took an early lead with their incredible Mario Kart costumes 🏆
We raised HOW MUCH?!
Before we take a terrifying trot down nightmare lane to relive the wicked revelry from last week, let’s look at the very un-scary financial impact of this year’s event.
In addition to giving our kids an unforgettable afternoon, Spooktacular raised nearly $10,000 to support Carthay's enrichment programs and community events 🙀 And because this event is organized and run by our PTA and its volunteers, 100% of those profits go right back into supporting our school.
That means every carnival game played, snack purchased, and Haunted House visit helped make more of the experiences our kids love possible. Not bad for an afternoon of spooky shenanigans!
It takes a (witchy) village
Here's the thing about Spooktacular: the event only lasts a few hours, but making it happen takes weeks of planning, a tremendous amount of coordination, and a whole lot of people willing to roll up their sleeves.
We're talking about parents building decorations, preparing activities, running booths, supervising games, serving food, and cleaning up long after the last trick-or-treater went home. In fact, some of that cleanup continued well into this week!
A huge thank-you to Gretchen McNeil for helping coordinate our volunteers, Steele Saunders for keeping the festivities moving as our emcee, and every parent, caregiver, teacher, staff member, student, and community member who gave their time and energy. Whether you helped plan for months, volunteered for an hour, or stayed late to put everything away, you helped make the magic happen.
Our families really delivered
And we mean that literally! From donuts and nachos to Halloween candy, pizza, and enough baked goods to satisfy an entire school full of sugar-loving kids, Carthay families came through in a BIG way.
And it wasn't just food—families contributed decorations, craft supplies, marigolds for our Día de los Muertos ofrenda, cardboard for spooky creations, and even lent us tables, tents, coolers, and kitchen equipment.
All those contributions helped us create an incredible experience without spending an incredible amount of money, which means more of the proceeds can go right back to supporting our school.
Thank you to everyone who donated something from our list:
Aleisha Kraul, Alexander Rodas, Amiel Salas, Amy Shapiro, Aracely Luis, Baily Hancock Glick, Bert Chintavuthipong, Briana Diaz, Camila Padilla, Carina Daher, Carolina, Carrie Lemmon, Cassandra Barroso, Cassandra Dow, Christiam Corona, Claudia Arce, Cristiane Beninca, Cristina Jimenez, Derick Green, Desiree Asher, Devon, Dia Valenzuela, Dru Bouraima, Edmond Mesachi, Emma Dorado, Ericka Marzett, Erin Knight-Zhang, Esmeralda Huizar, Gabriela Sandoval, Gretchen McNeil, Hyede Durity-Hutchins, Jaimie Mullens, Janet Hensch, Jennifer Morales, Jessica Hernandez, Jessica Truelyt-Knox, Jocelyn Meza, Johnica White, Joni Yamashiro, Kate Klein, Kathryn Hillier, Khyla Bailey, Kimberly Portillo, Leslie Moore, Leticia Zarate, Liz Fonseca, Liz Yarwood, Lucero Aragon, Maria Harrison, Mariel Yazdi, Melissa Garcia, Michelle Rodriguez, Miguel, Miles Leicher, Monet Banihashem, Monifa Webb, Ms. D.D., Nallely Luis, Nicole D'Anna, Nisha Espy, Norris Preston-Rakin, Paulina Bouyer-Magana, Purva Amar, Rachel Glaub, Rebecca Hopkins, Romeisha "Rose" Troupe, Roya Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Sam Zhang, Samantha Mendieta, Sara Tiano, Sarah Guarino, Scott Adams, Setegn Kassawmar Desalegn, Sevyn Aubrey, Shalene Wright, Shanelle Griffin, Silvia Aviles, Tara Tyson, Thando Ndlovu, Tina Thomas, Trish Tan, Valery Widmer, Victoria Hart, Yeci Chintavuthipong, and Yvette Moreira.
Let's relive the magic (and mayhem)
If you attended Spooktacular, you already know there was something exciting around practically every corner. But let's give some love to the experiences and people who made those corners worth turning.
👻 The Haunted House was a scream
Let's start with the attraction that had kids lining up to get scared, only to turn around and get right back in line!
Our Haunted House team, led by Rachel Glaub, Ian Broucek, Scott Adams, and Kelly Endl, went above and beyond to create an experience that looked and felt like something you'd expect from a professional Halloween attraction. The creativity, construction, special effects, and attention to detail were all devastatingly impressive!
Thank you to our volunteers:
Build-Out & Decorating: Celestin McGlynn, Derick Green, Elizabeth McConaghy, Kelly Endl, Maria Harrison, Meheret L. Berhane-Meskel, Melissa Garcia, Rachel Glaub, Sam Zhang, and Yvette Moreira.
Scare Actors: Alene Latimer, Cristiane Beninca, Elizabeth McConaghy, Erica Davidson, Krystal Sweeney, Merna, Neha Shah, Rachel Glaub, Rodney Lozier, Samantha Mendieta, and Scott Adams.
Entrance Gatekeepers: Deisy Say, Lydia Bancroft, Presley Newton, and Tara Tyson.
🎯 Game Alley brought the carnival fun
Thanks to Lori Williams, Game Alley featured new games and plenty of opportunities for kids to test their skills. Krystal Sweeney helped make sure there were prizes worth playing for, while more than 50 high school volunteers, recruited by Lori, helped keep the games and activities running. That's right, more than 50 teenagers voluntarily spent their Friday afternoon helping elementary school kids have fun. There is hope for the future, people!
Thank you to our volunteers:
Carnival Games: Charlie Glick, Connor McLean, Dyami O'Brien, Eldy Joch, Ellen Adams, Liz Yarwood, Lori Williams, Pharron Fode, Ricky D’Anna, and Sara Tiano.
Prize Booth: Dana Wilkins, Jessica Laursen, Rodney Lozier, and Sharron Hickman-Smith.
🕸️ Behind the scenes (and all those decorations)
You know you've got some seriously creative parents when pool noodles, faux Christmas trees, spray paint, and donated sheets somehow become Halloween magic. Sekai and her merry band of misfits brought that creativity to our outdoor decorations, transforming everyday materials into something extraordinary. Meanwhile, Melissa Rivera created a balloon installation and photo backdrop that gave families the perfect place to capture their costumes. And thanks to Epic Portraits, we have professional photos to remember it all!
Thank you to our volunteers:
Early Setup, Afternoon Setup & General Prep: Aleisha Kraul, Ali Johnson, Aysia Bell, Baily Hancock Glick, Brent Hopkins, Carrie Lemmon, Charlie Glick, Chris Kraul, Derick Green, Dora Chávez, Eldy Joch, Elizabeth McConaghy, Gretchen McNeil, Heavynn Gates, Janet Hensch, Maria Harrison, Melissa Garcia, Nicole D'Anna, Nisha Espy, Olivia Sandoval, Pharron Fode, Purva Amar, Rebecca Hopkins, Victoria Hart, and Yvette Moreira.
Cleanup & Pack-Up: Adelaide Lemmon, Carrie Lemmon, Duncan W. Woodbury, Erica Davidson, Gretchen McNeil, Janet Hensch, Liz Yarwood, Maria Harrison, Marie Burrell, Meheret L. Berhane-Meskel, Ricky D’Anna, Sharron, Tara Tyson, and Thando.
🎭 Costumes, cakes, fortunes, and pumpkins. Oh my!
There was no shortage of creativity on display throughout the afternoon. Our costume parade and contest, coordinated by Devon Barnes, gave students and families a chance to show off their Halloween looks. Sara Tiano organized the Cake Decorating Contest, where the creations were almost too good to eat… almost.
Kathryn Hillier contributed handmade ceramic prizes, adding an extra-special touch to the festivities. Melissa Rosell brought some mystical fun with fortune-telling and a custom tarot deck, while Janet Hensch and Jennifer Morales helped make the pumpkin patch possible through their contributions.
And, of course, there were inflatables. Because what's a Carthay event without kids enthusiastically launching themselves down a giant slide?
Thank you to our volunteers:
Cake Walk: Nisha Espy and Shoshana Seidman.
Cake Decorating Contest Judges: Connor McLean, Gretchen McNeil, and Sara Tiano.
Cake Decorating Contest Participants: Baily Hancock Glick, Cassandra Dow, Dara Yungman, Jacqueline Hau, Janet Hensch, Jessica Truelyt-Knox, Marian Hawkes, Nicole D'Anna, Rebecca Hopkins, and Shoshana Seidman.
Costume Contest Judges: Carina Daher, Franco Maisonnave Daher, Gretchen McNeil, and Shanelle Griffin.
Pumpkin Patch Helpers: Lisa Wolfe, Marie Burrell, Meheret L. Berhane-Meskel, and Pharron Fode.
Inflatable Slide & Obstacle Course Monitors: Bert Chintavuthipong, Dor Shirin, and Shamezo Lumukanda.
Ticket Sales & Check-In: Bryan Bethem, Carina Daher, Claudia Arce, and Ian Broucek.
💀 A memorable Día de los Muertos celebration
Spooktacular wasn't just about Halloween—Nancy Cuevas and her family created a beautiful Día de los Muertos altar, bringing an opportunity for our community to honor loved ones and share in this meaningful tradition. The area also featured activities and hibiscus tea, adding another special dimension to the afternoon.
Thank you to our volunteers:
Face Painting, Crafts & Snacks: Dora Chávez, Joni Yamashiro, and Laila Delgado.
🍪 Hocus Pocus Café kept everyone fueled
You can't expect hundreds of excited kids (and their grown-ups) to survive an afternoon of carnival games and Haunted House adventures without snacks. Thankfully, Ali Johnson helped coordinate the Hocus Pocus Café, with food and treats to keep the festivities going.
A special shout-out to Melissa Garcia, who secured a generous chicken nugget donation from our neighborhood McDonald's. Because nothing says Halloween quite like a kid in a costume demanding chicken nuggets.
Thank you to our volunteers:
Food & Café Helpers: Andrea Sorbo, Brent Hopkins, Carrie Lemmon, Kyle McConaghy, Rebecca Hopkins, Samantha Mendieta, and Yeci Chintavuthipong.
Popcorn, Snow Cones, & Cotton Candy: Claudia Arce, Maria Harrison, Marisela Santacruz, Ms. Ng, Ms. Rodriguez, and Ms. King.
A Spooktacular send-off for Taji 🫶
We can't wrap up this recap without recognizing someone who deserves a very special thank you—Taji Torrilhon. After years of helping lead and organize Spooktacular, this was Taji's final year at the helm, and what a way to go out!
Pulling off an event of this size requires an enormous amount of work that most families never see. There's the planning, budgeting, recruiting, organizing, problem-solving, and inevitable last-minute surprises that come with turning an elementary school into a Halloween carnival.
Taji has given so much of her time, energy, creativity, and leadership to making Spooktacular a beloved Carthay tradition, and this year's record-breaking event was a pretty incredible finale.
Taji, thank you for everything you've poured into Spooktacular over the years. You've created memories for countless Carthay kids and families, and you've left some very big, witchy-shaped shoes to fill.
Thankfully she's offered to help train whoever takes over next year, so if you've ever dreamed of being the person responsible for turning a school into a haunted carnival, your moment may be approaching. 😉
Thanks for making the magic happen, Carthay! ✨
Behind every spooky surprise, every delighted scream, and every kid begging for just one more game was someone who cared enough to make it happen. That's what makes Spooktacular so special—not just the memories our kids make, but the community that comes together to create them.
Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and making this year's Spooktacular one for the books. May your Halloween candy always be fresh and plentiful! 🍬
