Scotts Valley High School’s 12th annual Haunted House opens on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and runs through Oct. 25, with proceeds being donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
This year’s haunted house ringleaders/event organizers are senior Becky Upton and Erik Wyner — who teaches math and psychology.
The original concept for the event began in 2003, when a student decided to build a haunted house for a class project, Wyner explained.
Scotts Valley High School began donating proceeds from the event to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society around three years ago, because the cause was local and personal.
“There are many students who have connections with people with leukemia or lymphoma, and so a lot of students really appreciate the fact that that money is going to LLS,” Wyner said.
Upton said she has been involved with the haunted house for several years and helped create the 20-room design for this year’s haunted house event, which is located in the Student Union.
“We basically just brainstorm a lot of random ideas and try and think if they could logistically work,” she added. “We have cool construction things that we do, so it’s not only scares, as in creepy things or acting.”
More than 200 kids have joined the club that organizes and produces the haunted house this year, and its construction began on Oct. 10, Wyner said.
“As a teacher, it’s interesting for me to see the kids rise to the level that we put on them…” he said. “It’s just neat to see them step up to this really mature role.”
Organizing and producing such a big event gives students the opportunity to rise to the challenge and develop good leadership and communication skills that are necessary in order to get something done effectively, Upton said.
“I have really enjoyed it,” she said, “especially being in charge because it gives you good life skills.”
The theme for this year’s haunted house “The Schmetterling Orphanage,” inspired by a story of possessed children who are trapped inside.
Over $9,000 was raised and donated to LLS last year.
However, Wyner explained, the event’s turnout could potentially be influenced by the weather — as well as the World Series.
The haunted house event begins at 7 p.m. each night and costs $8 per person. VIP tickets can also be purchased for $120. Tickets are sold at the event.
This event is not recommended for children under the age of 10.
For more information, visit http://scottsvalleyhauntedhouse.com/
