Pumpkin Day is one of the biggest events here at Marlborough. It is a time where students can showcase their creative and artistic abilities. This year, Dean of Student Life Regina Rosi-Mitchell and Assistant Dean of Student Life Brett Quimby worked together with the All-School Council to plan the event, choosing the themes and the judges for the parade.
The judges of the costume contest usually consist of new teachers from different departments so they can get to know the school a little better and have fun.
The themes for the parade this year were Most ARC (throwback), Most CEI (innovative), Most 3rd and Rossmore (couples/teams), Most Conduct Infraction (scary), Most APES (sustainable), and the teacher departments.
Each year, many students come to school with extravagant and unique costumes. This year, there were many people who took home prizes for the costume competition. The Magic School Bus won the title of the Most ARC. The costume that was most innovative was Groot, whose costume was constructed of pool noodles. As for 3rd and Rossmore, the Royal Family took the crown. This group consisted of six people dressing up as Princess Kate and her family. The judges then decided that Lady Jane took it home with Most Conduct Infraction. She strutted the walkway with a platter holding a rat inside. Lastly, the two La Croix cans took the prize for Most APES.
Every year, most teacher departments choose and dress in a unanimous costume. The language department dressed as the AAPPL test, while the athletic department dressed as sports trophies. The history department took the prize with their costume as the cast of “Riverdale.”
Like always, Marlborough wants people to be conscious of what students dress as for this event. The Equity and Inclusion Council deals with this and sets the rules for everyone. This council has been active for about two to three years, and it consists of one representative from each affinity club on campus and Pamela Wright. The Council talks about how Pumpkin Day might be affected by cultural appropriation and stereotyping. Although many people may not think a costume is offensive, others might view it differently. The Council has decided that if one would not wear their costume in front of their grandparents, it is probably not appropriate for school.
Rosi-Mitchell said, “We have not had to talk to anyone about their costume choice for the past few years.” This shows how students respect people’s feelings and know what is respectful and what isn’t.
