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People celebrate the holiday Halloween because it’s fun, creative, and the experience is unique. At Washington High School, students have many Halloween traditions they participate in to have a good time during the holiday season. Junior Francis Shafer and his family host a Halloween party every year to celebrate.
The tradition started when Francis was younger and out trick or treating. His family members didn’t want the night to end, so they threw a party to continue celebrating. Shafer says, “We wanted to get together and hang out with my cousins after going trick or treating.” The reason they continued the tradition is because it’s more than a party to them, it’s an opportunity for them to unite as a family.
There is a lot of preparation that goes into the party. Shafer said, “The only things that we need for the parties are Halloween decorations, food, drinks, and family.” Talking about the food at the event, Shafer exclaims, “My aunt’s steak tacos are always gone within thirty minutes of the party. They are so good!” Shafer continues to say that his aunt has a special recipe for seasoning the meat for the steaks and only makes it for parties and family get-togethers to make the food special. Shafer adds on, saying “The parties always happen at my aunt’s house in Hayward because her house is the biggest one in the family. She’s also very inviting to us and likes having us around.”
Shafer enjoys the event every year because it allows him “to be with family and bond with his family.” To Shafer, family is everything. “Without family to support, love, and look after you, you have nothing in life.” Family is an important part Shafer’s life and wants the traditions to continue for years to come.
Xavier Walker is a current junior at Washington High School. He was born and partially raised in Oakland, CA. This is Xavier’s first year on the paper. Xavier likes to write about sports as well as health. Xavier loves playing sports and is on the Washington football and basketball team. He also loves to draw. Xavier’s future plans are to continue playing sports in college.