Tricks, treats, and terrific costumes at Samo
On the day of Halloween, Samo students gathered around the entrance to Barnum, attracted by a spooky holiday soundtrack broadcast across campus. As contestants filed into a line to enter their names on the sign-up sheet, onlookers began to start on their lunches, staring at the makeshift runway in anticipation.
The contest, hosted by the student-led club Running with Speakers, featured an array of costumes in the context of three categories. Group costumes were first, consisting of several synchronized efforts on behalf of the Samo staff. The office ladies marched down the catwalk as super she-roes, each stopping to pose and bring their empowering characters to life. The Samo advisors were next in a creative take on a classic film. Complete with coordinated belts and labeled T-shirts, the Seven Dwarfs made an appearance outside Barnum this Halloween, followed closely by Snow White and the Magic Mirror, all played by House Advisors. Although they weren’t in the contest themselves, much of the female faculty coordinated Barbie-themed costumes as well, peppering the audience with pink jumpsuits.
The second category of costumes on display was the solo section. Girl's Flag Football coach Ramsey Lambert appeared as an athlete on his very own team, and SpongeBob’s infamous Mr. Krabs made it rain with monopoly dollars as he pivoted in front of the audience. The final category was duo costumes. Kayman Mangan (’26) and Alise Serna-Fischer (’24) made their debuts onstage to vigorous applause as Bojack Horseman and Todd, the talking horse’s sidekick and best friend.
The climax of the event was its conclusion, in which the winners were announced and awarded a hefty bucket of candy. After a brief discussion between the Samo faculty judges Brynn Boyd, Stefani Tovar and Andrea Shore, a consensus was reached. The Samo advisors with their Snow White-inspired costumes took the crown for “Best Group” for their noteworthy organization and attention to detail as a larger unit. Vera Silva ('24) as Sally from "A Nightmare Before Christmas" was awarded “Best Impersonation” shortly after winning PBL’s own costume contest earlier that day. Sadie O’Connell (’25) left the audience spellbound with her Mr. Peanut costume, accepting the title of “Most Creative” with her costume. O’Connell has won prizes in previous years as well with her creative depictions of Gollum and Dobby the house elf.
“This is my third year in a row participating in the costume contest," O'Connell said. "I think that it’s a great way to bring students together, and it’s just a fun idea."
Regardless of the judges’ decisions, different students favored various costumes themselves, making sure to applaud their friends and favorite familiar characters. Additionally, all contestants were sent to their fifth periods with complementary candy as a token of their hard work. With any luck, a creative cast of passionate students will once again transform next Halloween, bringing fictional figures to life on campus for many years to come.
Taylor Witt / The Samohi
Mason Stevens (’25), in full costume, rocks the runway at the Running with Speakers Halloween costume contest.