San Jacinto College South Campus is getting into the Halloween spirit with a pumpkin painting event organized by First Year Experience (FYE). FYE is a district-wide organization housed on each campus that guides students transitioning into college while at the same time creating a sense of community.

According to FYE administrative assistant Samantha De La Rosa, who is one of the contest coordinators, the organization wanted to host a fun Halloween activity for all students to attend.

“We hope that the FYE Halloween event will encourage first-year students to participate in activities and events around campus,” De La Rosa said.

Furthermore, she added, since the event is open to all students, it is an opportunity for “… our new students to feel a part of the SJC Community.”

FYE will provide miniature pumpkins and paint, De La Rosa noted, so students only have to bring their creativity. The event will be on a first come, first serve basis with a limit of one pumpkin per student.

Meanwhile, FYE is collaborating with the Veterans Center and Student Veterans Association to broaden the scope of the festivities, Denelle Walker-Warner, interim FYE coordinator, said.

“They are hosting a costume contest during the event,” Walker-Warner said, “and a donation to our SJC food pantry is the admission to the costume contest.”

Students interested in competing in the costume contest should bring a non-perishable food item. Walker-Warner added, “Prizes will be provided to winners of the costume contest.”

The Halloween activities will take place Oct. 29 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the atrium of the Student Center on the South campus (S11). Students must show a valid student ID to participate in the pumpkin painting.