Spook alley is a sweet treat

MIDVALE — While most spook alleys deliver screams and chills, squeals and cheers came out of Jordan Valley School's haunted hallway Monday as Brighton High's DECA Club put on the school's annual spook alley.

The two schools have teamed up every Halloween for 26 years, offering fun to students with severe, multiple disabilities — and inspiring some Brighton students to pursue careers in special education.

"After this experience, (the Brighton students) will never be the same," said John Gardner, principal at Jordan Valley. "They may not think they changed, but they will never be the same for the rest of their lives — they are kinder and gentler and more assertive about going out and helping people with disabilities."

Last week, Brighton students painted posters, created a spooky "fish pond" — a skeleton hand reaches in to grab a prize — and planned the concept of a spook alley.

"They have a lot of fun, and it is an opportunity for them to interact with students with special needs that a lot of these kids have never done," said Brighton marketing and business teacher Michelle Emery.

The students used one of the hallways — wide enough for wheelchairs — and turned it into a dark tunnel with colorful lights, "scary" ghost sounds and even fog.

The Jordan Valley students were also given glowing bracelets to "protect them" on their journey.

"It's like Christmas to them," Emery said. "They love it, and they are having so much fun."

But the experience is more than party planning and creative costuming. It's about community service.

Emery said since most of the Jordan students don't get to go out and trick or treat, this gives them an opportunity to celebrate while giving DECA students a chance to give something back.

"It's so fun," DECA vice president Alyssa Staples said. "I like how they (Jordan Valley students) like us. None of them are mean. They're all so loving. They want to hug you and be with you and color with you. It's cool."

Gardner said some of the Brighton High students involved in the Halloween festival also have been inspired to become special education teachers — a high-demand profession in Utah.

At first, working with disabled students can be intimidating. But once they have had the opportunity, many students want to come back and do it again, Emery said.

This fall was Brighton senior Julie Doong's third year putting on the spook alley.

"I just really like to get involved with the kids and knowing that I helped make their Halloween fun," Doong said. "The best part is looking at them and seeing them having fun."

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com