On Friday, Oct. 24, Link Crew leaders and their freshmen enjoyed an hour of pumpkin carving and s’more eating. The event was held in the science wing courtyard an hour before York Suburban’s first Color Clash.
Erica Styer, head of the Link Crew program, asked Link Crew leaders to provide their crews with pumpkins and carving/decorating supplies. Media varied from glittery paint to household supplies, creating a unique pumpkin for each team.
The categories for the contest were Lookalike, Most Creative, and Scariest, challenging each group to think of a suitable, extraordinary idea in the hour provided. The team of juniors Olivia Sorresso and Emily Hamme used layers of red paint to make a bloody, gorey pumpkin.
“It was neat to have the fire out there and see everyone working together,” Styer said. “It was just a fun, memorable event.”
The winning pumpkin for the Lookalike category was created by the team of junior Laura Sinkovitz and senior Tommy Vo. The pumpkin was a lookalike of Vo, featuring glasses and exaggerated features for good humor. The team was awarded with a bucket full of candy.
Styer provided warm apple cider and s’mores during the event to keep students cozy. The contest was held before the Color Clash in attempts to lure the freshmen to participate afterward, which proved to be successful.
The pumpkin carving contest was an idea favored and voted upon by Link Crew leaders, offering fun aspects for all. It allowed different types of personalities to collaborate and work together while relaxing in a laid-back environment.
All participants visibly enjoyed themselves, with some groups even assisting others and lending supplies. It allowed students to see the creative, competitive, and innovative sides of their peers, and was an overall effective way to strengthen the relationships amongst each Link Crew.
“I thought it was really fun,” freshman Abbey Hardman said. “And [it was] a good way to interact with upperclassmen, but I do think there should have been better communication between the Link Crew leaders and the freshmen.”
Styer is always looking for improvement in this program, and makes sure to channel student feedback into positive development for future years. During Link Crew meetings, leaders discuss the positive and negative responses concerning these events and how to make them better for the next year.
Styer said that Link Crew plans to do an academic activity in December to prepare the freshmen for midterms. The focus of these activities are to connect freshmen with their leaders, and have proved effective for past members.
Photo courtesy of Brady Pappas