Deaf Culture Club hosts Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball
Students and staff from the Deaf Culture Club, with help from volunteers, hosted the annual Halloween Masquerade Ball on Oct. 26 at Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus.
All were welcome to come dressed in their costumes and show off their Halloween spirit and compete in the costume contest.
Jamie Flores, an Elementary Education student, helped set up the event through a joint partnership between the Deaf Culture Club and the Educational Club.
Flores dressed in a werewolf costume to celebrate the Halloween Masquerade Ball. She said getting the event ready took a lot of work.
“Flores said when he first arrived to volunteer, he wasn’t sure just how the evening would turn out.”
Flores worked with other volunteers to decorate the Student Services Center.
“It turned out amazing though, I’m really proud of that” said Flores
Volunteers set up a “Boneyard Buffet” full of spooky treats to munch on during the night. Organizers also ordered pizza for attendees.
Ed Hall, Computer Science instructor, is in charge of the Deaf Culture Club. He dressed as Spock from Star Trek and said the Halloween Masquerade Ball helps fund many of the club’s activities.
“We like to take trips. We went to deaf schools, we went to New York and saw a Broadway show in sign language,” said Hall. “We also buy supplies to learn sign language. All that takes money so we do this (fundraiser) to raise money for our club.
“At the same time it provides a fun campus-wide event for everyone to enjoy”
Hall said he was excited about this year’s Halloween Masquerade Ball and the number in attendance.
“This is over the top,” said Hall. “Last year was a massive success, we had over 100 people here. This year is even better.”
Secretary of the Deaf Culture Club and Biological Science student Keni Kohler helped to set up the event and came dressed as Harley Quinn.
“I’m excited,” said Kohler. “I’ve worked all day to put this together. Halloween is my favorite holiday, I absolutely love it.”
Ava Caruso, nursing student, dressed as a vampire and enjoys sharing information on the Deaf Culture Club at events like the masquerade ball.
“We totally decided to have this event to just kind of spread awareness for our club,” said Caruso. “We see people from different clubs here, so it seems like we’re all joined together.”
Deaf Culture Club member and nursing student Joelle Wojtylak said she enjoys the Halloween Masquerade Ball
“I think it’s exciting”” said Wojtylak, “” we spent a lot of time working on it, and we came out here to have fun."
For the costume contest, contestants all had their name called and ran on stage for a few seconds in front of three judges.
There were three prizes for first second and third:
First Place: $100 dollars
Second Place: $50 dollars
Third Place: $25 dollars
The first place winner was Olivia Tennefoss who dressed as the Galaxy. Second place winner(s) were Hannah Mcqueen and Ryan Johnson dressed as a 20s couples, and following them in third place was Chris Heisler dressed as a Mormon Jehova’s Witness.
Communications student, and Deaf Culture Club member Olivia Tennefoss was very excited about getting first place.
“This is a blast,”” said Tennefoss. ““ this is my first year, and it’s fun, I like the music, and the costumes."
She was excited about winning, but also surprised
“I put a lot of effort into this costume, so it’s paid off,” said Tennefoss. “I was not expecting to win, so when they called my name, my mouth just dropped.”
The Deaf Culture Club holds many meetings throughout the year, even field trips and many other fun events. To learn more, check out their Facebook page.
Attendees at the Halloween Masquerade Ball show off their costumes. Photo by C. Littleton.
Owens students show off their creative costumes. Photo by C. Littleton.
Owens students get scary with their costumes. Photo by C. Littleton.
Jack Skellington greets attendees at the Halloween Masquerade Ball. Video by C. Littleton.
The dining room at the Halloween Masquerade Ball had a haunted vibe. Photo by C. Littleton.
Videos by C. Littleton.