BILLERICA — Shawsheen Valley Technical School celebrated another successful annual Trunk or Treat, bringing together over 550 participants and local families for a Halloween event filled with fun, philanthropy, and school spirit.
Organized by the senior members of the National Honor Society, this year’s event featured over 35 uniquely decorated trunks, festive music, interactive activities, and plenty of treats — all in support of Treat the Troops, a nonprofit dedicated to sending care packages to soldiers stationed overseas.
The event raised more than $2,400 for Treat the Troops, a charity chosen by NHS Secretary Alyssa Costantiello.
“I chose ‘Treat the Troops’ because many of us have friends or family currently serving in the military,” Costantiello said. “I have a close friend whose family member recently enlisted, and this felt like a meaningful way to show our support. Knowing that a small part of us reaches our loved ones overseas made this experience even more special.”
The event’s success reflects the core values of Shawsheen’s NHS chapter, which is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership, character, and community service. NHS adviser Kerry O’Brien praised the students for embodying these principles through the Trunk or Treat initiative.
“The NHS seniors led every aspect of the event, from planning and organizing to running each activity throughout the day,” O’Brien said. “Our Design and Visual Communications (DVC) students showcased their artistic talents through face painting, while others stepped up as candy runners and character mascots. Watching our students embody the values of Character, Leadership, and Service was truly inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
A major sponsor of this year’s event was Bruno Brothers Plumbing & HVAC, owned by Shawsheen alumnus Matt Bruno, Class of 2007. Many of the company’s employees are Shawsheen graduates, and their participation has become a key feature of this annual event. Bruno Brothers not only helped fund the occasion, but also decorated work trucks and distributed candy, a highlight for many attendees.
“We are very grateful to Matt, his family, and his team for their continued support of Shawsheen throughout the years,” said O’Brien. “Their generous spirit and commitment to our community exemplify what it means to be a part of the ‘Ram Fam’ well beyond graduation.”
A variety of school clubs and organizations contributed to the day’s fun, including the girls’ volleyball team, the Gender-Sexuality Alliance, the Anti-Bullying Club, and the robotics team. Even Sarah Croke, Shawsheen’s school resource officer from the Billerica Police Department, joined in and decorated her cruiser showcasing a “first arrest,” which added a playful touch.
Children enjoyed activities such as face painting, a craft table, sidewalk chalk contest, and games like a witch’s hat ring toss. Shawsheen’s food truck served pizza and snacks, while music was kept lively thanks to Sugar Plum Parties and DJKMD of Billerica.
A crowd favorite this year was the appearance of beloved character mascots, including Bluey, Bingo, and several members of “Paw Patrol.” Students in costume posed for photos and danced, creating lasting memories for the youngest attendees. NHS President Jonathan Hureau highlighted this aspect of the event, noting, “Watching everyone interact with the mascots was one of the best parts of this year’s event. The students who wore those costumes deserve special recognition, considering the warm weather we had.”
The Billerica Fire Department brought a fire truck for kids to explore, and members of the School Committee participated with their own decorated trunk.
With the success of this year’s event benefiting Treat the Troops, Shawsheen Tech’s NHS continues to uphold its tradition of community service, fun, and school spirit, and looks forward to an even bigger event next year.