Medway SEPAC Hosts Successful Third Annual Inclusive Trunk or Treat Event

Medway Public Schools and the Medway Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) hosted their third annual Trunk or Treat event on Friday, Oct. 16. (Photo Courtesy Medway Public Schools)

MEDWAY — More than 700 attendees celebrated Halloween with costumes, treats and decorated tables during the third annual Medway Public Schools and Medway Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 16.

Families, school staff, local businesses and community organizations gathered at McGovern Elementary School for the inclusive event. SEPAC estimated that attendance exceeded 700.

Originally planned for the Medway High School parking lot, the event moved to McGovern Elementary School because of a rainy forecast. In place of decorated car trunks, participants set up 31 themed tables throughout the gym and cafeteria.

SEPAC Co-Chairs Kerry McCarthy and Courtney Murray Marshall organized the event with SEPAC Secretary Trisha Girard.

“Due to the poor weather, the team executed a massive venue shift indoors within just two to three days,” McCarthy said. “A huge shoutout goes out to the Medway facilities team and administration, and the Medway Police and Fire Departments for their swift support in making the move safe and seamless.”

Organizers also thanked Assistant Special Education Director John Kelly for helping coordinate the move and School Custodian David Lavallee for his work with setup and cleanup.

New this year, a basket raffle was introduced, with 100% of the proceeds directly benefitting SEPAC. Local businesses donated items and gift baskets to fund activities for students and educational speakers for families.

Local photographer Tim Rice volunteered his time to capture the evening and DJ Souza kept the festive energy up with music throughout the event.

SEPAC Co-Chairs thanked Tony Leland of Leland Siding, Roofing & Windows for his longtime support of Medway SEPAC and its Trunk or Treat events.

Additional sponsors included Club Z! Tutoring of Medway, Masters Touch Design Build, Chris’ Auto & Truck. Food trucks including C&C Ice Cream, Lania’s Italian-American and Caribbean Press were also present during the Trunk or Treat.

SEPAC liaisons Jen Shaw, Alyssa Sutherby, Jackie Ordrasek and Tatevik Holmgren, and Medway High School sophomore Jackson Haneghan, all volunteered their time to assist with the event.

“It truly takes a village,” said SEPAC Co-Chair Kerry McCarthy. “The overwhelming turnout, the generous support from sponsors and towns businesses and the energy of our volunteers warmed our hearts. This event is all about creating a welcoming, inclusive and fun experience for every family in our community.”

The Medway-Holliston High School Swim and Dive team also provided assistance decorating and participating in this year’s Trunk or Treat, along with the Medway Youth Soccer, Baseball, Lacrosse, Cheerleading and Flag Football programs, and the Medway Amateur Basketball Association.

“For the past three years, the Trunk or Treat has served as a fun and inclusive way for our school community to celebrate Halloween together,” said McGovern Elementary School Interim Principal Shelby Holt. “Local businesses and families always impress us by going above and beyond with their decorations and enthusiasm. This year was especially remarkable, as our hardworking facilities team quickly pivoted and moved the event indoors to avoid the uncooperative weather. We’d like to thank them for ensuring the Trunk or Treat was successful, rain or shine.”

“We are proud to have a group like Medway SEPAC within our school community,” said Superintendent Armand Pires. “We greatly appreciate their work in creating a positive, inclusive space for all of our students to enjoy this holiday. We’d like to thank everyone who sponsored and supported the Trunk or Treat this year, and to all of the attendees for showing up in wonderful costumes and enjoying the event.”

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Trunk or treat attendees visited 31 themed tables throughout the cafeteria and gym, which were decorated by school staff, local businesses and youth sports teams. (Photo Courtesy Medway Public Schools)

The Medway Police Department was one of the 31 local agencies and businesses who supported the Medway SEPAC Trunk or Treat with a decorated table. (Photo Courtesy Medway Public Schools)

From left, SEPAC Co-Chair Kerry McCarthy, Secretary Tricia Gerard and Co-Chair Courtney Murray Marshall organized the third annual Medway SEPAC Trunk or Treat. (Photo Courtesy Medway Public Schools)

From left, Assistant Director of Student Services John Kelley, Assistant Superintendent and Interim Medway High School Principal Paul Peri, student Colin McCarthy and Superintendent Armand Pires wore festive Medway Public Schools and Halloween gear to the Trunk or Treat. (Photo Courtesy Medway Public Schools)