Brianna Barnes reporter
Oct. 30 at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, the Student Government Association (SGA) put together a trunk-or-treat event for the community. Different Pitt State student organizations had tables with candy, and children from the community walked around to each table in their costumes for candy.
“We decided to come out tonight because we want to be good pillars of the community, and show our faces and help parents and children alike know that we are here to help support them anytime they might need,” said President of Students for Violence Prevention, Alea Billingsley, a junior majoring in criminal justice and Spanish.
This is the second year SGA has put together this event, and it has grown as word has spread. For children, costumes and candy can make their day, so this event was a cheerful night. College students, too, often enjoy dressing up, so many of the students had fun with their costumes. Organizations that registered for a table had the chance to win the Halloween Spirt Award, so they were encouraged to theme their tables and costumes to embrace the Halloween spirit.
“This is my second year planning it. Last year, I planned for the first time and so I kind of came into it knowing some tricks of the trade,” said Director of Campus Engagement for Student Government Association, Corey Humble, a junior majoring in biology. “There’s always issues, like making sure enough advertising gets out in advance, so that community members know they can come to it. That’s always a little scary as well as just making sure that clubs have the opportunity to sign up and show up, and then as the night goes on, there’s unique challenges as well.”
With so many organizations, new and old, at Pitt State, there are several opportunities to join an organization, or just enjoy their events.
“We thought it would be great for us to do some community outreach. Not a lot of people know about us, and we just got a building, so we’re doing a lot more events there,” said President of the Black Student Association, Kennadie Campbell, a junior majoring in elementary education and Spanish. “So, we just thought this would be a perfect opportunity to reach out to the community and let them know we’re here and that they’re invited to our events.”
This event was popular last year, bringing over 700 people to campus, and it did not disappoint this year. The community enjoyed this safe way to enjoy the Halloween holiday.
“I’m happy with the turn out. Last year we had around 20 organizations and this year we have about 25, so we’re seeing a steady increase which we’re happy about. We got some new clubs here that have never been here before as well as some returners, and I think the community is happy with it too, seeing all the smiling faces and all the candy being given out, so I think it’s pretty good,” said Humble.