By Jillian Hammell
Staff Writer
Halloween is a traditionally spooky, yet creative holiday celebrated by children and adults who are young-at-heart. The tradition, practiced by many students at St. Bonaventure, has blossomed into a popular festivity among students of all ages in a quest for originality.
Popular Halloween ensembles of 2012 include a number of pop culture influences. There are many television shows, music videos and celebrities making Halloween easier for students brainstorming ideas.
Chris Spiker, a junior journalism and mass communication major, said he is ready to do the “gangnam style.” Spiker plans to dress up as Psy, the South Korean overnight YouTube sensation whose hit single “Gangam Style” reached #1 on the iTunes music video charts. The simple costume consists of a suit, dress shoes, round glasses and slicked back hair. Spiker even hints he may perform Psy’s signature dance on Halloween.
“It is fun to act like your character,” Spiker said.
Spiker’s fellow cross country teammates plan to dress up as 2-Chains, a rapper, and Waldo from the children’s book “Where’s Waldo?” to keep the Halloween spirit alive.
Makenzie Lennan, a freshman political science major, was inspired to dress up as Chuckie Finster because of her natural red locks. As a fan of the cartoon as a child, Lennan hopes to channel her inner Rugrats character and sport purple glasses and untied sneakers.
“I originally wanted to be Ariel from the Little Mermaid, but I decided to dress up as one of my favorite characters from a throwback cartoon,” Lennan said.
Kevin Keller, a freshman marketing major, said he gathered up materials to become one of Nickelodeon’s most beloved cartoon characters.
“I’d like to be Patrick Star from Spongebob Squarepants for Halloween,” Keller said.
In addition to wearing Patrick’s Hawaiian shorts, Keller said he wants to add another neat element to his costume.
“I’m going to carry a permanent marker around with me so people can write their favorite Spongebob quotes on my shirt,” he said.
Some students may even receive extra credit if they dress to impress on Oct. 31. Dan Egan, a sophomore biology major, said one of his science professors is giving students credit for a clever get-up.
“I would probably dress up as a friar of some sort,” Egan said.
Halloween at Bonaventure is also an exciting time for Tate Slaven, a junior journalism and mass communication major. Slaven said she cannot help but join in the festivities.
Slaven and her two co-workers at Penn Hills Country Club are going to bring the classic English nursery rhyme, “The Three Blind Mice” to life. She said they plan to sport dark sunglasses and a headband with mouse ears.
Halloween is an outlet for Bonaventure students to channel their inner characters. Whether that is a favorite childhood TV show or an admired singer or personality, the costumes are sure to be far from ordinary.
