Gallery • 16 Photos

Priscila Saliba

Piercing screams echo across the football field. The slight wind casts goosebumps down your arms and chills down your spine—until DJ Ryan Romero announces across the field: “Welcome to the 2023 Fall Fest!” You hear screams echoing in the distance as DJ Romi blasts music across the field. The scent of warm pizza and snacks make your mouth water, practically begging you to walk towards the concessions stand. And as you walk to the front gates, you’re met with one of the most difficult decisions of your life: to take the left path, or the right? 

This was the first Fall Fest hosted by the Class of 2024, and the planning process that came with it was very stressful. Planning for this large event took place even before this school year began. “It got really stressful as we neared the due date because we were all so busy due to college applications,” Camila Correa explained. And finally, after weeks of preparation, the Fall Festival was finally brought to life on October 26th at the PPCHS football field. 

Booths lined up on almost every corner of the stadium. The wind was heavy—an unexpected addition to the evening—yet one that lent the night a more spooky spirit. Despite flying plates, tablecloths, and booths across the field, it was a huge success for all of the clubs and performances! From 6 to 8 PM, the air was filled with fall festivity and laughter as students, friends, and family ventured around the football field. “It seems like everyone had fun, I know I did for sure!” Camila Correa stated, pleased.

“I think we had a really good turnout, it was really exciting to see everyone come to the event and  come to our booth. We had a lot of participation, and we think it was a lot of fun!” – Hannah Flores, Junior

“I represented Village Mentors, and our booth had bowling pins–if you knocked them all down, you had the chance to win a goody bag filled with fidget toys and candy! The experience was very fun. I got to participate in other booths’ activities, like NHS’s three legged race. I also got to eat some great food at the concession stand. I hope next time we have more of a variety of ideas–the wind was unexpected and kind of interfered with our activity, but everything still went great!” – Hana Bushra, Senior

“I represented the Asian Pacific Islander Association, AKA APIA, and for our booth we had three activities. The first one was a game that was kind of like picking out a needle in a haystack. Basically we had bowls of raw rice, and inside of them were these sprinkles shaped like eyeballs. Using chopsticks, players had to pick out as many sprinkles as they could from the rice, and based on how many they got they could win a prize. We also set up a little origami activity where little kids could make little origami ghosts, and then we were just selling little snacks that are most well known in Asia. It went really well because we were able to raise a lot of club funds, we got a lot of exposure, a lot of people were able to come to our booth and have fun, and I would say that’s a big success.” -Rebekah Barrera, Senior

At 7:00 PM, the music came to an abrupt stop as a group of girls swarmed the center of the football field. It was one of KPOP United’s first school performances, and the dancers were brimming with anticipation as some stepped into the spotlight for the very first time. “The preparation process was definitely not easy. We had been practicing since September 14th and pushed through until the performance. I will say it was really fun to work with this wonderful group for the first time ever and produce such an ‘eye catching’ piece,” President Juliana Duperval explained. PPCHS’s Dance Team followed with an electrifying performance shortly after, uniting the field with laughter and cheers. 

And finally, around 8:00 PM, Fall Fest finally came to an end. Visitors slowly began to make their exit, as clubs began to bring their booths to a close. PPCHS’s 2023 Fall Fest was officially a success, bringing together students, families, and the community in a celebration of the season. With games, food, and entertainment, it was a day of camaraderie–showcasing the Class of 2024’s dedication to highlighting belonging and community togetherness. As the fall season continues, the joy from this event will undoubtedly linger, reminding us of the warmth that defines PPCHS.