Thursday, October 16 marked the annual NDB Link-O-Ween Haunted House tradition for the freshman class. Link Crew worked diligently to prepare this exciting event for the Class of 2029. It took place in the basement and happens every year to welcome in the new class. This event lasted from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The haunted house was a way to bring the class together by offering shared emotional experiences and problem-solving. It can also help build trust in one another, make relationships stronger and provide another chance for the freshmen to build new friendships.
For many ninth graders, this was their first time experiencing a school-wide Halloween event. Some showed up in groups holding on to one another, while others walked through confidently. A mix of laughter, screams and excitement filled the basement as freshmen stepped into the haunted house.
Link Crew board member Maia Mejia-Young mentioned how these events help NDB freshmen feel more connected to the community. “Events like these help freshmen feel more connected to Notre Dame because everyone goes through it as a freshman,” she said. “They can hear about how fun Link-O-Ween was from upperclassmen, and then pass on their stories to the incoming freshmen as they get older.”
Link Crew worked extra hours to set up and prepare for this night, transforming the basement with curtains, pumpkins, costumes and lights. Leaders dressed up in costumes to surprise the students. The the make-up that transformed students into scarers was done by Journalism Advisor and amateur make-up artist Robert Rojas.
Planning this event takes lots of effort and time. Mejia-Young shared the behind the scenes details. “There was a lot of background work going into this event,” she said. “First, we had to decide on the theme and what we wanted the event to actually look like. And, we ultimately decided on royalty, continuing the theme from orientation. We then had to think about costumes, makeup and coordinate with Mr. Rojas to make sure that everyone would be ready to do the scares and be the tour guides.”
In addition to planning the set design and decorations, Link Crew members spent hours after school rehearsing their roles, practicing their lines and learning when to do each scare. Their ultimate goal was to create an immersive, spooky atmosphere that felt both thrilling and fun.
Link Crew board members and the crew tried to make the haunted house as scary as possible so that students could feel the Halloween spirit. All freshmen have the opportunity to not go through the haunted house and, afterward, enjoy snacks and watch a Halloween movie. Link Crew chooses a movie that is Halloween-themed, yet not scary, so they have an opportunity to calm their nerves after the scary haunted house.
As the students left the haunted house, some of them still catching their breath, and others laughing about how loud they screamed, one thing was clear: Link-O-Ween Haunted House was not just about the Halloween scares. It was about welcoming the new Tigers into the heart of the NDB spirit and showing them that sometimes the most memorable memories are made when you step a little bit outside your comfort zone.
