HPU Students Co-Host Special Populations Halloween Trunk or Treat Event
High Point University’s student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children co-hosted a Special Populations Halloween Trunk or Treat event with High Point Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation on Oct. 20 at the Miracle League of High Point Field. Pictured from left handing out candy were HPU students Emma Holbrook, Jayna Zivec and Gabby Curto.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Oct. 29, 2026 – High Point University’s student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) co-hosted a Special Populations Halloween Trunk or Treat event with High Point Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation (ASPIRE) on Oct. 20 at the Miracle League of High Point Field.
Each year, HPU’s CEC works with ASPIRE to organize the event for community members with intellectual or physical disabilities to have the opportunity to dress in costumes, dance and enjoy food, crafts and games in Halloween-themed areas. The annual event is a way for HPU students to connect with, develop friendships and support individuals in the High Point community. CEC members include students from across campus with a common interest in promoting awareness and support for individuals with disabilities.
“This community outreach is important for HPU education students because it gives us the opportunity to take what we learn in our classes and use it in the real world,” said Emma Holbrook, a junior special education major with a legal studies minor who is CEC president. “We are able to build relationships with individuals with disabilities and learn how to create an environment where everyone feels included and welcomed. As future educators, these experiences help us grow in our communication, leadership and ability to support people with different needs. It also allows us to give back to the High Point community while gaining experiences that we can take into our future classrooms.”
CEC members decorated cars for trunk or treating and provided plenty of candy. They organized activities such as ring toss and pumpkin painting, and provided Halloween decorations, snacks and inflatables for pictures.
“Our main goal is to make the night fun and welcoming while giving families the opportunity to make memories together,” said Holbrook, who is from Reading, Massachusetts. “We want everyone who comes to feel included and have a place where they can celebrate Halloween and be themselves.”
Among the HPU students who decorated their trunks and gave out candy was Robert Wallace, an elementary education major who is the CEC vice president.
“It’s important for HPU students to get involved with High Point’s special populations because it gives us a chance to connect with our community and make everyone feel included,” said Wallace, who is from Cape Carteret, North Carolina. “Events like trunk or treat allow us to give back, build relationships and bring joy to others.”
Community outreach through the CEC provides invaluable opportunities for students in the Stout School of Education to connect what they learn in the classroom with meaningful, real-world experiences, said Dr. Doris Brown, an assistant professor of educator preparation. The HPU CEC has co-hosted this event and others like it for more than 20 years.
“By engaging directly with individuals with disabilities, our future educators develop a deeper understanding of individual strengths, diverse needs and the importance of building authentic relationships,” said Brown, who is faculty advisor of HPU’s CEC. “These experiences help students move beyond simply understanding inclusion as an educational concept to recognizing it as a commitment to ensuring that every individual feels valued, respected and connected to their community. Just as importantly, this outreach cultivates empathy, advocacy and a sense of professional responsibility—qualities that are essential to becoming exceptional educators. I am especially proud of our students for recognizing that making a difference begins with building relationships and serving others.”
Approximately 150 participants normally join the event, said Stephanie Hedgecock, ASPIRE program coordinator.
“Partnering with HPU for our seasonal dances promotes social inclusion and breaks down societal barriers by building meaningful connections grounded in mutual respect and understanding,” Hedgecock said. “Additionally, these hands-on experiences help foster inclusive communities and inspire students to become advocate leaders in their future careers.”
HPU students will co-host two more special population events during the 2026–2027 academic year. The Holiday Dance will take place Dec. 1 at the Morehead Recreation Center. The Valentine’s Dance is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2027, also at the recreation center. Both events begin at 6 p.m.