The leaves flared with shades of orange, red, and yellow, their colors vivid against the crisp autumn sky. A faint scent of cider and fresh donuts drifted up from the courtyard below, adding to the warmth of the season.
On October 31st, Halloween, Utica High School hosted its second annual Cider Mill in the school courtyard during second through fifth hours, following the event’s overwhelming success the year before.
“Last year we needed to come up with a fun fall event that involved everyone,” student council advisor and teacher Mark Moehlig said. “I was a little worried about the weather for it this year but luckily the rain held off.”
Students at Utica High School shared a positive response to the event. Many enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the opportunity to take part in a common fall tradition without having to leave the school.
“It was a lot more fun than I expected,” Junior Johnathan McCabe said. “I loved hanging out with Mr. Sloat and my friends. I also enjoyed doing the art station at which I painted a little mural of Mr. Sloat in his Harry Potter themed costume for him.”
The student council offered a variety of activities at the Cider Mill, including face painting, arts and crafts, games, and, of course, cider and donuts.
“My favorite activity was the hula hoop game,” senior Joel Burnham said. “The volunteers working the station were very friendly and the game was competitive. It was honestly easier than I expected to land the hula hoops on the cones.”
Although the event was promoted as all-inclusive, there were some logistical challenges that prevented it from accommodating everyone at the school. The courtyard’s limited size made it difficult to fit all classes, and some teachers who tried to sign up were unable to do so because the available time slots had already been filled.
“I was pretty bummed out that I couldn’t go,” senior Elyssa Marsden said. “While walking the hallways during passing time I saw everybody with their faces painted and I thought it was cute so I was sad I couldn’t go.”
In the end, the Cider Mill event at Utica High School was a festive and enjoyable experience for many students, while offering students the chance to embrace the spirit of fall through activities, treats and fun. While the event’s popularity revealed some limitations in space and scheduling, the overall success and positive feedback highlight its value as a newly cherished school tradition that will be continued for many years. With a few adjustments, the Cider Mill could become even more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that every student and teacher can participate in this fun, seasonal fall event.
