Hordes of ghosts, goblins and other monsters roamed the hallways of Tyrone Area High School on Tuesday, October 27.  Fortunately there was no immediate threat; crafts and games set up throughout the building kept these “not-so-scary” creatures at bay until they made their way back to their graves.

The “monsters” of course were the throngs of Halloween crazed children eager to participate in Youth Action Network’s (YAN) Halloween trick or treat event. Eleven student groups from the high school planned the festivities that drew a total of 675 visitors. The event raised a total of $725.30 through voluntary donations, the proceeds benefiting the Tyrone Area Food Bank and Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. About 70 student volunteers and 20 adult volunteers helped make the second annual event a big success.

“It was a very kid friendly activity and not too scary,” said Tyrone teacher and local resident Suzy Burket, who brought her second grader. “My son thought it was very fun. He loved shooting ghosts down with a Nerf gun and was thrilled to make all five shots,” said Burket.

Themed activities were held in rooms from the library to the cafeteria, both upstairs and downstairs.

“The library was awesome because there was no waiting, we could choose a variety of events and there was room for everyone to do everything at once,” said Anne Maddox, who brought her two preschool children to the event.  “My three year old really liked the ‘mystery boxes’ at the Health Tech activity center where kids had to guess the body part.”

Many local businesses supported the event with donations totaling over $5300 in goods and services.

The Nutrition Group from the TASD cafeterias provided treats; Charlie’s Tree Service provided popcorn for everyone; Subway, Sheetz, Silver Screen Video, and Burger King all donated coupons and gift certificates for prizes; Leidig’s Farm sold 150 pumpkins to YAN at cost; Rich Krause donated notebooks for each child in attendance; The Shoe Fly donated bags for treats and welcome gifts; and Manning photography teamed up with the Eagle Eye to offer free professional portraits for all families in attendance.

“I had a great time again this year, this is a great event for the community,” said local photographer Dale Manning.

The TAHS student and staff groups that put together activities, games and provided treats to the kids were the accounting and marketing classes, HOSA Club, TAHS main office staff, POPS Extension, Renaissance Club, varsity football players, golf team, Student Council, library staff, ninth grade English classes, Tyrone Eagle Eye News, and Youth Action Network.

“This is such a great activity, its wonderful to see the high school students interacting with the younger kids.  I just love doing it,” said Laura Harris, TAHS music teacher and POPS Extension director.

“I had so much fun. Seeing all the little kids dressed up and smiling was the best. I can’t wait to do it again next year,” said YAN club member and TAHS junior Toni Burns.

“Its a lot of fun and its cool that we get to work with the kids and give back to the community,” said sophomore YAN member Jamie Lynch.