Autumn has finally dawned upon the students and staff of Woodbridge High School. As the weather began to cool and leaves descended from the trees they used to call home. Students and staff were interviewed about their opinions of some of the amenities that come with the change of season.

Firstly, what do students and staff enjoy about Autumn? Mr. Terrell, teacher of Theatre Arts at Woodbridge High School, says that “Autumn is my favorite time of year,” and also stated in his interview that he “…love[s] sweater weather and feeling the chill in the air.”

Interviewed students were more likely to mention activities they enjoyed. Isabella Alvarez, a senior at Woodbridge High School, admits to enjoying activities such as trick-or-treating, pumpkin and apple picking, and corn mazes with her friends. She states that she will enjoy these activities regardless of whether others say she is too old for them.

According to NielsenIQ data, pumpkin spice was a $802.5 million industry in 2023, therefore it was important to ask students and staff for their opinions. Mr. Hoyer, the Robotics teacher at Woodbridge High School, proudly stands with an affinity for pumpkin spice ice cream and Oreos which he states are pretty good in his opinion. Mr. Terrell stated that pumpkin spice products have become “over-the-top” saying, “Mid-August is no time for pumpkin spice products…”

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. Interviewees were asked whether they believed this should be a day off. Both interviewed students agreed with this statement, attributing the need for a day off to the stress that often accompanies school. Mr. Hoyer pointed out that some students may benefit from school who find themselves needing to do something productive. The overwhelming majority believed there to be a possible benefit to a day off.

Student and Staff Autumn Traditions

Interviewees were asked about their Autumn traditions lastly. Haley Stetson, a senior at Woodbridge High School, says that she annually visits a haunted hotel attraction. Guests pay to enter this attraction in which said guests trick-or-treat within the hotel. The raised proceeds go towards helping special needs kids.

For the holiday of Thanksgiving, many people host or travel long distances to visit family and friends for the festivities. This holiday often unites loved ones together once a year. Those who were otherwise apart join in the prospect of a well-cooked meal and the promise of dinner conversation. 

“Everybody likes my mom’s cooking,” said senior Isabella Alvarez. “ Even though my parents aren’t together, we all come to her house and we eat.”

It would appear that many enjoy the 91 days that we call Autumn, a time for fun, family, and friends. As the looming winter approaches once more, we will once again stare into the fading memory of the passing Autumn with fondness as we remember the fun times we had.