Release Date: 
Monday, November 6, 2023

International students join an American tradition of carving pumpkins

Pumpkin carving artists with their creations.
From L-R: Sulian Larmond, Todd Hakim, HFC student Ahmed Altaee, Kelly Baratono, Kimyette Black, and Sara Gonzalez-Herrera proudly pose with their unique pumpkin creations.

It is a Halloween tradition at HFC for members of the International Student Services Office to get together and carve pumpkins during this time of year.

On October 27, International Student Services partnered with the Hawk Advantage Program for the 5th annual pumpkin carving party in the pavilion of the John McDonald Student & Culinary Arts Center (Building M on the main campus).

Ten people participated and while listening to music, consuming cider and doughnuts, and enjoying each other’s company as they worked on their own unique creations. This annual event is a way for the College to welcome its international students and introduce them to something that is a uniquely American tradition.

“For most of the students, it was their first time carving a pumpkin,” said HFC Admissions Associate III Sara Gonzalez-Herrera. “For some of the attendees, it was a refresher course. We all enjoyed ourselves and had a lot of fun.”