Upper St. Clair High School’s Multi-Cultural Club warmly welcomed the Spanish exchange students to the United States and to the Upper St. Clair family by hosting a Halloween-themed party for them on Monday, October 20.

The party was held immediately after school in the Rifle Range. The Spanish exchange students along with their hosts were invited to attend. The members of Multi-Cultural Club began preparing and planning for this party a few weeks prior to the arrival of the Spanish students – Friday, October 11.

Students generally meet for Multicultural Club after school on Mondays in Mr. Dan Zelenski’s room, and meetings typically last from 2:30 – 3:30. Sponsors of the club are Mr. Ben Edwards and Mr. Zelenski.

President of the club Eliana Ondrejko, Vice President Alyssa Montgomery, and Secretary and Treasurer Keerthana Lanka organized the Spanish exchange welcome event by collecting money and making arrangements for decorations and food.

Since the theme for the party was Halloween, members, hosts, and Spanish students were asked to get in the festive spirit and dress up in costumes. There was also a costume contest held at the end of the party.

Anyone who wished to participate was called to the front of the room. The best costume for each category was to be decided based on the applause of the audience. The majority of the Spanish exchange students participated in the competition. The overall best costume was awarded to two Spanish exchange students dressed up in matching princess costumes.

Along with the costume contest, the organizers also planned other activities. There was a caramel-apple making station next to the snack table. Students were given a brief demo on what to do and were then allowed to make their own caramel apples. Club members stated that they planned other activities, such as pumpkin carving, but the budget would not allow it.

Generally, the party was a success and provided a good opportunity to get to know the Spanish exchange. One drawback is that the party lacked a proper arrangement for music. However, this did not seem to bother too many people, as the main focus of the afternoon was to welcome and get to know USC’s visitors.

After interviewing several Spanish exchange students and their hosts, it can be concluded that the party was an enjoyable afternoon. The Spanish students seemed to be very enthusiastic about the concept of Halloween and evidently put a great deal of effort into their costumes.

The Spanish students seem to be enjoying their experience in the United States. The hosts also have several field trips planned to allow the Spanish students to really experience America. They will be going to Washington DC Thursday, October 22.