T’was the weekend before Halloween, and all through Sarah Smith Elementary School, North Atlanta Students were getting ready for the kids to arrive. From carrying out tables to hanging ghosts in the haunted hallway, volunteers were running around trying to perfect the scene. As 35 students ran around the parking lot, they all had the common goal of spreading joy and the Halloween spirit this morning. This event was a way for high schoolers to give back and relive childhood memories.
Once the clock hit ten am and kids started to fill the parking lot, it was time for the fun to begin! Junior Aspen Roper worked at the arts and crafts table, giving little kids the perfect opportunity to express their creativity. Junior Madlyn Goldman, responsible for friendship bracelets at the arts and crafts table, shared how excited she was to help the kids channel their creativity. As a former Sarah Smith student, Goldman is extremely nostalgic to be back on the same campus and see her former teachers. “I remember doing crafts just like this when I was in elementary school here,” Goldman said. “I think it’s weird to be back in a place that I used to think was so huge yet it’s so tiny, letting me see it from the other side.”
While Roper and Goldman worked the arts and crafts table, junior Frances Campbell ran the hair station, letting kids choose wacky hair colors and designs. With the use of colorful hair chalk and sparkly hair gel, little boys and girls were lined up to get their hair dyed all different colors and braided. As Campbell was transformed hair, freshman Taylor Schultz set up a mini nail salon for the kids to be pampered and let their creativity run free. Equipped with ghoulish colors and nail stickers, Schultzs said, “I get so happy watching the kids get excited to get their nails done, and even when I make a mistake, they are still super happy.”
Among the excitement of crafts and makeovers, one booth stood out that carried a meaningful mission, High Hope Atlantas “Cookout for a Cure.” This is a nonprofit funded by junior Addison Achey that aims to raise funds and awareness for larger causes. This particular year, the money raised at the fall festival will go to Ian’s Friends Foundation, an organization close to Achey’s heart. It’s run by family friends to support the research for pediatric brain tumors in honor of their son Ian, who bravely fought an inoperable brain tumor. As Achey and her friends grilled burgers and hotdogs all day to festival goers, they were able to raise $1,500 to advance pediatric brain tumor research.“It was wonderful to see the community get together and support such a wonderful cause,” Achey said.
As the festival wrapped up, the smiles of the volunteers and children reflected the lasting impact of their shared experience. Children created life-long memories as North Atlanta students reminisced on the good ol’ days of elementary school.
