On Friday, Oct. 18, Coastal Carolina University’s (CCU) South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program hosted their annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat for the local community in the YY parking lot off S.C. Highway 544.
The Teaching Fellows Program consists of students aspiring to work in South Carolina public schools after graduation. As part of the program, Teaching Fellows volunteer in local school classrooms throughout the semester, allowing them to interact with and build relationships with classroom teachers and students in a public school environment.
Junior elementary education major Abigail Cunningham said she enjoys getting the opportunity to engage with students outside the classroom.
“My favorite part is just seeing all the kids and their faces just light up, especially the ones I know, and the ones that I student teach,” Cunningham said.
As president of the Teaching Fellows, senior history major Lili Canfora dressed up with other members as “Strawberry Shortcake” characters. Planning to pursue her master of arts in teaching at CCU, Canfora said these events demonstrate the impact of teachers and staff showing up for their students.
“I see how excited these kids get whenever they see their CTs [cooperating teacher] or somebody who’s been in their classroom before,” Canfora said, “it really shows the importance of community involvement, and seeing how important it is to go to the things that your kids are excited about.”
This year, they had a huge turnout with around 800 kids and 1,500 total attendees.
As chair of the CCU Community Outreach Committee within the program, Cunningham is responsible for advertising the event and reaching out to the community. Various Teaching Fellows members helped spread the word through social media, flyers and word of mouth.
“It honestly helps me with communication, especially with parents, with families- reaching out, getting personal with the community,” Cunningham said. “And, also, just my leadership skills, having to take over and take initiative, get stuff done.”
This year’s event included volunteers from the CCU FoodCrew, clubs and other student organizations. Extending beyond campus, local high school Teacher Cadet Program members from Carolina Forest High School and Andrews High School volunteered with decorated car trunks and truck beds.
Family members of Palmetto Bay Elementary School students also volunteered.
“It’s really just a fun way to give back and show that Coastal is a part of the community, and we appreciate the community,” Teaching Fellows Director Teresa Gibbons said. “The community and parents these days need somewhere safe, you know, to take their kids to get candy.”
