As Halloween approaches, Mavericks look forward to a night filled with costumes, candy and scary movies, followed by a long five day weekend. This holiday provides a great opportunity to make some fun plans and catch a break from school work.

While Halloween may not be as widely celebrated as other holidays it still manages to spark excitement among many.

“I, personally, love Halloween because I love dressing up,” Hailey Vasquez, 11, said. “I love getting to be with my friends, walk around the neighborhood and who doesn’t love candy?”

To ensure an unforgettable night, Mavericks plan out their festivities with friends and family.

“My brother and I … always dress up and try to match costumes,” KK Kennedy, 10, said. “I’m dressing up as Coraline. My brother is going as Jack Skellington.”

In addition to the excitement of coordinating costumes, Halloween allows for a change of theme in anything from home decor to artworks.“I like how people are so creative during this time of year,” Bear Herrera da Silveira, 11, said. “Specifically you’ll see a lot of artists decorating things for Halloween.”

Halloween can even provide a little insight into personal identity. Whether it’s spooky or not, the holiday allows people to display their interests or favorite characters through their costumes.

“I’m either going to wear an Eeyore onesie or I’m going to dress up as the Lorax,” Vasquez said.

While the days leading up to Halloween may be focused on planning and decorations, on the big night, for trick-or-treaters there is only one goal: to get the best candy possible.

“I really like M&Ms, especially getting a big bag,” Ibrahim Khurram, 11, said. “That will make my day.”

It is common practice among trick-or-treaters to plan a route to the best houses for getting maximum candy. Once bags are full and feet are sore, it’s time to head back for a hang out and some candy trading.

“I, personally, really like gummies,” Silveira said. “There’s a specific brand of gummy bears that’s really, really good.”

Regardless of favorite candy, over time, Halloween can develop a deeper importance than just costumes and sweets. It’s a time to create lasting memories with the people that matter the most.

“I always do Halloween with my brother no matter what I do, even if it’s with my group of friends,” Vasquez said. “I consider it a tradition for myself because every Halloween, I always do it with him.”

This year, Mavericks get the day after Halloween off from school, allowing them to enjoy their festivities to the fullest.

“I’m really happy about Halloween being on a weekend night this year … because that means I can go trick or treating and not be stressed out having school work or tests,” Khurram said.

As high schoolers, Emerson students have a lot on their plates between schoolwork, jobs and responsibilities at home. Even a small holiday like Halloween can provide a much needed break.

“I think that it’s important for kids to enjoy being kids while they can, especially since there are so many people that are not going to be doing this again,” Kennedy said. “Having the day off on Friday lets kids enjoy the holiday better without having to worry about the stress of school.”