The teachers of Fair Grove High School are participating in the Halloween spirit by dressing up collectively as Star Wars characters.
Every year, the teachers decide on a theme for all of their costumes. This year, they decided on a Star Wars theme. Micheal Van Cleave, a math teacher at Fair Grove, explained who he was going as, “We are doing a Star Wars theme this year. I will be dressing up as Jedi Knight Qui Gon Jinn.” Susanne Feldman, who also teaches math, added, “I will be Queen Amadala.” A student teacher this year, Brian Neumann, explained, “I will be dressing up as Darth Nihilus from Star Wars the Old Republic.”
The teachers also talked about their inspiration for their costume choices, and why they chose it. Neumann expressed his love of Star Wars by saying, “I am a huge Star Wars fan! Darth Nihilus is one of my favorite Sith Lords in the Star Wars Universe.”
Van Cleave explained, “I wanted to be a Jedi, and I have the right kind of hair and a big nose to look like Liam Neeson (who plays Qui Gon).”
According to Feldman, Tonya Peck had some influence on their choices. “Coach Peck recommended the theme.” She also expressed why she chose Queen Amadala, “…I had my costume from a family costume we did a few years ago.”
This isn’t the first year the teachers have dressed up for Halloween. Feldman enthusiastically included, “…I ALWAYS dress up! For the Mario theme I was the ghost guy, I’ve been Belletrix from Harry Potter, and many many more.”
Van Cleave talked about some of his previous costumes as well, “I believe I have dressed up every year I have been here; I can’t remember all of them, but some notable costumes were Professor Snape (from Harry Potter), the Cat in the Hat, and a Super Solver (with the other math teachers).” He also expressed his admiration for the holiday, “Halloween is the best holiday of the year and I am looking forward to it.”
Since it’s Neumanns’ first year student teaching at Fair Grove, this is also his first year dressing up with the other teachers. However, he has dressed up for Halloween in the past. Neumann thought back and explained, “Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. One of my favorite costumes was a Viking Raider, which I actually won a costume contest for!”
Not only are the teachers dressing up, but students as well. There will be a spirit week on the Week of October 31st-November 3rd.
Neumann left one last additional comment for the Halloween season, “May the Force be with you!”
