The PDS Halloween Parade is a time-honored tradition, one which each grade looks forward to each year. Each grade has the opportunity to cultivate a theme of their choice to win an award. There is a great deal of planning that goes into the parade from a student perspective. Senior Aulani Daniels, Vice President of the Class of 2025, provided insight on her experience leading the senior class to choose a theme. Daniels described how she works with the class dean, Tomasz Rzyczycki, on different events and projects, acting as a middle man between the students and the dean. Initially, Daniels sent out a google form to the seniors to gather all the suggestions/themes. Then, she finalized a form with the top contenders and let the class unanimously decide on the theme. Following the decision, Daniels reached out to the artists in the grade to decorate a banner, which turned out magnificently!
This year, creativity was off the charts. The Freshmen led with a banner reading ‘Class of 28,’ and were dressed up as movie characters. The Sophomores followed as ‘Despicable Sophomores,’ wearing yellow and blue as minions. The Juniors astounded the crowds by their theme of ‘Mooniors,’ displaying an array of cows and space-themed costumes. Lastly, the Seniors culminated the parade with Tricky and Jake—their theme was ‘Subway Seniors.’
At the end of each parade, the Head of School Dr. Nicholson-Flynn read out the winners of the Upper School. The Freshmen won Most Creative and Runner Up–a surprising feat for the newly-minted Upper Schoolers. The Juniors had the most enthusiasm, spirit and energy. The Sophomores had the most class participation. To conclude the awards, the Senior class had the best costume design and visual effects, while also being the Overall Winner. It was a great feat for the entire Upper School!
