When YAN first decided to sponsor a Halloween trick or treat event, their goal was to get 150 people to walk through the TAHS doors.

As it turned out, that goal was surpassed within minutes.

In total, almost 700 visitors attended YAN’s first annual Halloween extravaganza, making it one of the most successful community events at the high school in recent memory.

The event raised  $786.55, which will be split between the Tyrone Food Bank and Panzi Hospital .

Fourteen TAHS clubs, teams, and other groups participated. Together they spent approximately $900 dollars in treats, supplies and decorations. 105 student volunteers and 70 adult volunteers worked to make the event possible.

“The idea came from Mrs. Redinger.  Hollidaysburg, where her kids attend school, does a similar event” said Mr. Cummins McNitt, YAN supervisor. “We just did ours bigger and better.”

“Mrs. Redinger and I were especially proud of our student volunteers in how they conducted themselves with our guests, young and old alike,” said McNitt.

Response to the event from the community was overwhelmingly positive.

“I took my girls [to the event] and they loved it!  Thank you to all of the students and staff!” said Dawn Whited, first grade teacher at TAES.

“Doing research in the computer lab made me feel like a high schooler. That was my favorite part!” said a first grader from Mrs. Jamison’s class at TAES.

“Thanks for all the hard work. It really showed all the time and effort that went into it. My kids loved it!” said parent Joy Williams, via the Eagle Eye Facebook page.

“It was obvious that a lot of thought and hard work went into the event.  We had a great time!” said Shana Pendergrast Smith, via the Eagle Eye Facebook page.

Twelve local businesses and individuals donated over $3000 in goods and services.

The donations included professional photos, ice cream cones, discount coupons, pumpkins, water bottles, notebooks, and bags for candy. The businesses and individuals were:

• CSATS group at Penn State
• Dairy Queen of  Altoona/Duncansville
• Gallikers Dairy
• Gardner’s Candies
• Rich Krause
• Leidig’s Farm
• Manning Photography
• Milk Marketing Board
• Nutrition Group
• Reinhart Food Service
• Shoe Fly
• Thrivent Financial

“We would like to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers,” said McNitt, “we are already planning for next year.”