U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

MANAMA, Bahrain - Kindergarten through 12th-grade students at the Bahrain Department of Defense Dependents School celebrated Halloween during the school's 2nd annual Halloween Spooktacular Event on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The Bahrain School played host to students from many of the local Bahrain schools during the holiday event that featured games, activities, a very haunted house for the older students, and a not-so haunted house for the younger ones.

More than 150 active duty military and family member volunteers from Naval Support Activity Bahrain, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and many of the other tenant commands in Bahrai norganized their efforts with the Bahrain School Spooktacular Committee. The all-volunteer group transformed the school from an institution of learning, to a den of Trick-or-Treating, carnival-like games and a fun haunting environment. The volunteers also built the haunted houses, dressed up in costume, manned games and events, handed out candy and generally entertained the more than 1,200 guests of the event. Adults, elementary and high school aged students, and school officials all took part in the fun of dressing up in costume and enjoying the event.

"Halloween is really a fun thing for kids of every age. There is something here tonight that makes each and every one of these kids, and the adults, want to come out and enjoy this event." said Jeanne Whatley, Spooktacular chairperson.

The event ran from 6 - 9pm, and throughout the night the comment was passed of how the military volunteers helped make the event such a success.

"These military volunteers are absolutely amazing and their enthusiasm is unmatched," said Whatley. "The U.S. military is lucky to have them.and so are we."

Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Capt. John Schoeneck, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Bahrain both attended the event as well.

The Bahrain School is part of the Department of Defense Education Activity. Currently there are 473 students from 45 different nations enrolled at the Bahrain school, including 182 U.S. students.

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