On November 1, the Boston Latin School World Wildlife Fund (WWF) raised awareness for their club by hosting a digital costume contest where contestants dressed their pets up for Halloween.

This year’s winner was Falena Harilall (VI) and her cat companion Tommy, who dressed up as a sheriff, with 155 votes. The second and third place contestants were Nibbler, the bunny and ChaCha, the beagle. Other costumes this year include pumpkins, a shark, and a dragon. Students voted for their favorite costumes via Padlet and the winner received a 20 dollar Petco gift card.

WWF President Kayla Depina (I) says that the contest was to “bring joy to BLS by giving a platform for goofy and creative pet costumes, as well as gain recognition for our club.”

BLS WWF is a club that seeks to raise awareness for threatened and endangered animals through fundraising, education and volunteer work.

As a member of BLS WWF, costume contest winner Harilall adds, “We also make many contributions to the WWF organization, which supports wilderness preservation.” The World Wildlife Fund is an international non-governmental organization that works to preserve the environment and to limit man made environmental impact. At the end of the 2021 financial year, the organization raised 377 million dollars from both private and public donors.

BLS WWF hosts various events like the costume contest throughout the school year. The largest event they hold is the Winter Plushie Sale, which sells wildlife stuffed animals with proceeds going to the WWF. Other events held by BLS WWF include movie nights, educational workshops and volunteer opportunities.

Depina says, “I think people should join BLS WWF to have fun, learn about the environment and make a change.”