Medway SEPAC Holds Successful, Inclusive 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat Party

The Medway Special Education Parent Advisory Council held its second annual Trunk or Treat on Oct. 17, bringing together hundreds of students, families and educators. From left to right, Assistant Superintendent Paul Peri, Colin McCarthy and Superintendent Armand Pires. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)

MEDWAY — The Burke-Memorial School parking lot was transformed into a Halloween dream, as the property came alive with laughter, music and the spirit of the season, with hundreds of guests stopping by for a spooky, fun and inclusive Medway SEPAC Trunk or Treat event.

Medway Public Schools and the Medway Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) are pleased to share that the district hosted its second annual Trunk or Treat on Friday Oct. 17, drawing an estimated 700 students, parents and community members at the Burke-Memorial School parking lot.

Families decorated 31 themed trunks, handed out candy, and transformed the school parking lot into a festive, family-friendly space, celebrating Halloween, inclusion and community, allowing children of all abilities to enjoy holiday traditions together.

The Trunk or Treat was organized by SEPAC Co-Chairs Kerry McCarthy and Courtney Murray Marshall, along with SEPAC Secretary Trisha Girard. The trunks were decorated by local businesses, youth sports teams and teaching staff.

During the event, DJ Souza kept the energy high throughout the evening, while local photographer Tim Rice volunteered his time to operate the photo booth and take family portraits. The C&C Ice Cream truck and the Pangea food truck also joined the festivities, serving up treats for attendees.

SEPAC Co-Chair Kerry McCarthy said community support was instrumental in making this year’s event even bigger and better than last year inaugural Trunk or Treat event. McCarthy thanked Tony Leland, owner of Leland Siding, Roofing & Windows, for making this all possible by donating funds for the event’s DJ and decorations. She also thanked the SEPAC liaisons who helped out, including Alyssa Sutherby, Chris Layton, Ashley Goode, Tatevik Holmgren, Jackie Ordrasek and Kristen Salera.

“This was truly a group effort that showed the best of Medway,” McCarthy said. “We’re so grateful to everyone who pitched in, from the families who decorated trunks to our local sponsors and volunteers. The support from Tony Leland of Leland Siding, Roofing & Windows made it possible for us to expand and create an even more magical experience this year.”

A highlight of this year’s event was the participation of the Medway High School boys junior varsity soccer team. After learning about the event from team member Jackson Hanegan, Junior Varsity Coach Jason Weintraub and Varsity Coach Mike Hanson encouraged his players to volunteer at the Trunk or Treat. The athletes enthusiastically helped with the cause, volunteering with setup, trunk displays, and other activities.

“Jackson and his teammates were exceptional,” McCarthy said. “They showed up with such great energy and kindness. You don’t always see that level of initiative and compassion from young people, and they really made an impact.”

The event also included a special fundraising effort for the upcoming Five-Town Special Olympics, which Medway will host this year, drawing participants from Medway, Medfield, Millis, Ashland, and Holliston. McCarthy decorated her trunk with a Special Olympics theme and provided a QR code for donations, helping to raise awareness and support for the upcoming games.

Families, teachers, and administrators came to the Trunk or Treat dressed costume, enjoying the spirit of togetherness and creativity that the event fostered.

“The best part of Trunk or Treat is seeing everyone — students, teachers, parents, and administrators — come together this Halloween season in such a joyful, inclusive way,” McCarthy said. “We celebrate together with a family-style atmosphere, and we always look out for each other.”

Burke-Memorial School Principal John Kelley said he was proud to see the school grounds used to bring so many people together.

“It was wonderful to watch our parking lot transformed into such a fun, inclusive Halloween celebration,” Principal Kelley said. “This event showcases the heart of Medway, where people of all abilities come together in a spirit of community. It’s a reminder of what makes Medway so special.”

Superintendent Armand Pires praised the event for exemplifying Medway’s commitment to belonging and inclusion.

“Medway’s SEPAC continues to model what community partnership and inclusion look like,” Superintendent Pires said. “Events like Trunk or Treat are a lot of fun and they make it possible for every child to experience the joys of the Halloween season in a supportive, welcoming environment. We are so grateful to our SEPAC leaders, families, and volunteers for their creativity and compassion.”

About the Medway Special Education Parent Advisory Council

The Medway SEPAC is a parent-led volunteer organization that supports families of students receiving special education services. SEPAC works collaboratively with Medway Public Schools to promote understanding, inclusion, and advocacy for students with diverse learning needs. To learn more or to get involved, go online to the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MedwaySEPAC.

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Creative costumes and colorful trunk decorations helped make this year’s second annual Trunk or Treat bigger and better than the first edition. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)

SEPAC Co-Chair Kerry McCarthy and Colin McCarthy enjoyed the event together with the community. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)

Volunteers, families, and school staff members helped make Medway SEPAC’s Trunk or Treat a fun evening celebrating inclusion, creativity and the joy of Halloween. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)

Creative costumes and colorful trunk decorations helped make this year’s Trunk or Treat bigger and better than ever. From left to right, Mo Sharkey and SEPAC Co-Chair Kerry McCarthy. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)

From left to right, Medway Police Officer Maggie Schindler, Julie Harrington, photographer Tim Rice and Medway Police Officer Stephen Paschal. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)

From left to right, Medway Police Officer Maggie Schindler and Julie Harrington. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)

The Burke-Memorial School parking lot came alive with laughter, music, and Halloween spirit as hundreds gathered for the Medway SEPAC Trunk or Treat. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)

Volunteers, families, and staff members helped make Medway SEPAC’s Trunk or Treat a joyful evening celebrating inclusion and creativity. (Photo Courtesy Tim Rice Photography)