It’s the one day of the year that you can find a fluffy giraffe, Egyptian pharaoh and a football referee all in the same room.Those were just a few of the costumes Hope students wore to celebrate Halloween on Friday, Oct. 31, during a party held in the gym of the Administration Building in Springfield. The gym was decorated with flying bats made of paper, haunted trees and even spooky skeletons. The annual event featured games, face painting, balloon sculptures, refreshments, and of course, music.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students to socialize with one another and to have fun in a safe environment,” said Cory Blissett, Hope director of outreach.

Before the party, students enjoyed trick-or-treating in different departments on the Springfield campus. Students also got the chance to take a “haunted tractor hayride” that journeyed through a section of the campus adorned with Halloween decorations.

Later that evening, a dance was held for students that featured music, cookies and juice. Staff members danced along with students and helped them spend time with their peers to make new friends.

In Chicago, students at the Hope Institute Learning Academy (HILA) celebrated the school’s Fall Festival on Halloween. A section of classrooms was transformed into activity rooms that allowed students to play Halloween-themed bingo, glow bowling, musical chairs and other games.

Volunteers from The Northern Trust financial services firm partnered with HILA staff members and parents to oversee a portion of the events.