URBANA — Halloween began early for the subfreshmen this year when the subbie buddy program held a Halloween party complete with food, games, movies, and a haunted house on Oct. 24.

Subbie buddies arrived hours before the event to set up. The transformation took over the second-floor hallway, where a combination of decorations, lights, sounds, and subbie buddies created a make-shift haunted house. Though most weren't scared by the fake blood and skeletons, some admitted they enjoyed the house and were pleased with the overall experience.

After students took a whirl through the haunted house, they congregated on the first floor for a number of other Halloween-related activities. Games like a beanbag toss and Apples to Apples as well as other board games entertained students while others watched "Monsters, Inc." and enjoyed the Halloween sweets.

By the end of the night attendees were very happy with the event, and it will most likely continue on as a subbie buddy tradition. Counselor and subbie buddy coordinator Sarah Dewhurst even expressed interest in hosting similar events later this year.

Gargoyle photos by Revathi Maturi, Maritza Mestre, and Joy Shapley

Sophomore Heather Lin, setting up a scary head to fall on visitors to the haunted house, was among the many subbie buddies who gave up their Friday night to help out with the Halloween party. (click to enlarge; click any photo to create your own slideshow)

Senior Natsuki Nakamura helped out with the tombstones.

The spookiness was palpable.

Counselor Sarah Dewhurst arrived as a witch while freshman
subbie buddy Or Ashkenazi had yet to don her costume.

A nasty body hanging from the elevator entrance greeted students to the haunted house.

Not everything was scary at Uni that night; plenty of treats made for a festive atmosphere.

Cakes on Walnut? We don't need no Cakes on Walnut!

Or Ashkenazi prepared for a night of fright.

Or and classmate Marie Lilly were ready for the subbies.

Once in character, Marie and Or made frightening additions to the haunted house.

Subfreshman Melissa Rosas was a festive witch.

Chaperones like math executive teacher Craig Russell also took a run through the haunted house.

All kinds of costumes livened up the party.

Sarah Palin was a favorite among partygoers.

Another view of the many costumes on display.

The costumes didn't have to be elaborate for subbies to have fun.

Chae Won Park (left), Gabby Kozlowski (center), and Charlotte Popetz snacked in the kitchen.

Among their many activities, subbies watched a Halloween movie.

Throughout the night, subbies and subbie buddies played a variety of games.

It was a relaxing night for the subbies as they took part in the games.

From left, subbies Ariana Martinez, Halley Pollock-Muskin, Chelsea Edwards, Petra Rantanen, Katie Cox, Melissa Rosas, and Julia Zuo enjoyed the evening.

Subbie buddy Marie Lilly helped mummify fellow freshman Iain Konigsberg for the event.

The second-floor hallway was host to a variety of haunted house transformations.

The first-floor hallway was open for socializing.

Another look at the transformed haunted house.

Sophomore subbie buddy Kahlilah Cooke prepared intensely for the subbies' arrival.

Freshman subbie buddy Aishwarya Gautam found her way through the stairwell.

Junior Maria Gao spent time with a deadly guest.

Subbie Petra Rantanen got into the spirit of things.