Last night, the McLean leadership class held its first “Fright Night.” Students, some wearing pajamas, gathered in the lower gym on the floor and bleachers to enjoy the showing of the horror movie “Lights Out” with various pillows, blankets, and snacks.

“It was Friday the 13th, and since we are trying to build more school spirit here, what better way—if there’s no football game at home—than to host a Fright Night at school to give kids something to do?” leadership teacher Taylor Kidd said.

Although the event was a last-minute idea by the leadership class, about 200 people attended the movie night, exceeding Kidd’s predicted turnout of 100. The goal of Fright Night was to get students out and together to help raise the school spirit atmosphere.

“We wanted to increase school spirit and the sense of community within McLean, while offering a fun environment in which students could let loose and enjoy themselves,” leadership student and senior class president Marshall Pratt said.

Students who attended enjoyed a night of fun and scare with friends. This event has not been held at McLean before, so it was a new experience for all.

“I thought that Fright Night was really fun because you could get all cozy with friends and enjoy a typical scary movie like October should be,” freshman Hannah Aguinis said. “I was surprised by how many people came fully in pajamas and with pillows and blankets. It was really funny to see how far people would go for school spirit.”

The movie night was originally intended to be held on the football field, but due to the rainy weather the event was moved inside to the gym. This raises the question of how the turnout would have been different if it were held outside.

“There could have possibly been a bigger turnout,” Kidd said. “It could have been the scary factor, it could have been a little bit better—some of the lights in the gym were still on—but I think overall, it just would have been more spooky.”

The atmosphere of the event could have been different if it were held outside, appealing more to students.

“I think there’s something special about being outside, especially at night,” Pratt said. “Maybe kids would have been more inclined to try something they might have never done, like watching a scary movie in the middle of a football field.”

Despite this, however, the turnout was still large and students still enjoyed themselves. It has not been announced whether or not there will be another movie night in the future, but the leadership class is pleased with the result of their first Fright Night.

“I think it was a success,” Pratt said. “There was a great turnout and a positive atmosphere for everyone.”