The CSI community comes together on the scariest night of the year
By: E.M Pociejowski
The costume contest at CSI’s Halloween Bash included multiple rounds with couples and individuals, and ended with two winners each receiving a prize of twenty dollars. With free entry, free food, and free candy the small room in building 1C brought together a diverse group of communities with no expense to anyone.
“This party is so much fun,” said Ashley DeMorato, a recent CSI graduate. “I wish more people came, but I love how I’m seeing students who I don’t normally see.”
CSI has a traditions of incentivizing students to come to events with free food and money prizes, and this holiday was no different. From 6:30 to 10 p.m, 1C offered a much needed break for CSI students after midterms that took place in mid-October. The condition for admission was simple: be a CSI student or a friend.
Throughout the night, DJ Stanton kept the energy alive and everyone on the dance floor, playing upbeat and popular songs by artists including Kesha, Pitbull, Omi, and Taio Cruz. He encouraged people to show off not just their costumes, but also their moves on the dance floor.
The student body showed off their creativity with costumes such as Chicken Little, a giant dog, multiple Spidermans, and creepy clowns. The people in these costumes ranged from current student body government members and undergraduates to alumni and masters students.
“It’s my last year and it’s actually been really awesome,” said Mags Bazha, a senior at CSI. “Its easy to not care about what anyone thinks here.”
The event organizers placed emphasis on their goal to not only create a fun environment for students to be able to take a break from their studies on campus for a change, but also create a space for community at CSI.
Many played volleyball with the balloons, grabbed onto each other’s shoulders and swung next to each other, and created dance circles to encourage the person next to them to step out of their comfort zone.
“The student government is proud to have planned and executed the Halloween Bash,” said Ashley Villalva, student body government president. “Seeing students enjoy and create community makes all the hard work worth it.”
Since CSI is a commuter school, the student government believes it’s important to use their budget to create a sense of community for student life on campus. Even without the most massive turnout, CSI’s Halloween Bash created the atmosphere that made students comfortable to be expressive when some are not used to the community.
The party included a spread of free food and treats. Savory food included Mac and Cheese bites and Mini Pigs in a blanket, which disappeared in no time from guests grabbing seconds and even thirds as they pleased.
For those with a sweet tooth, the tables were lined with strawberries covered in chocolate, frosted cupcakes, and chocolate- covered pretzels. If anyone felt parched, three options of alcohol-free drinks were placed on the end of the table for all students to enjoy (responsibly.)
The photobooth also encouraged those who never met each other before to get to know one another. With halloween-themed accessories and cut-outs that bring out people’s goofy, humorous side, many people took pictures together despite having never spoken to each other beforehand.
“Being connected with everybody felt so nice and wholesome tonight,” said Ramon Ramos, a former CSI student. “I never felt this way when I was actually in CSI.”
