The best way to learn anything is always from the ground up, hands-on! In 2006 we began the learning experience, as it relates to X-Scream, by getting to know each other and moving on through design, planning, the build and staffing the event. The result was a very impressive event with the best staff I have ever had the pleasure of working with. More importantly, we learned that this event had a future that was every bit as promising as that of the students that made it happen - we also learned that we could make some changes that will ensure that outcome.

During the 2006 season we tended toward the "ant hill" method of haunt design - over 200 students running in just under 200 directions under the direction of a haunt designer whose head had to turn 360 degrees to keep it all going smoothly! Changes in the class format for the 2007 season accomplished a number of wonderful things - for students and teacher alike! With a total of over 30 rooms, the new method assigned each room to a team of student designers whose task will include the design, build and implementation of that room. This allowed students to concentrate on the perfection of their area of the event, work occasionally "off-site at home" and to receive due credit for that specific assignment in the event program. The end result was more detailed, with a greater degree of professionalism and helped the event to be named as one of the Travel Channel's "13 Scariest Haunted Attractions in America" in 2008! The "Oscar" of the haunt industry!!! In 2009 one more change has occurred that allows us to rise to an even more impressive level. In December of 2008, I had the honor to be added to the staff at G-Star on full-time basis with X-Scream as one of my duties. This change let's us work consistently toward our goal throughout the school year.

Now, entering into our FOURTH YEAR, we have further honed our skills and will expand the event to include 2 outdoor fright zones and an additional attraction in a nearby building! Also new for 2009 is the inclusion of many peripheral additions including roving "scareactor" troupes, live music, carnival game area, food and vendors. We also would like to announce the reintroduction of our own cheerleading squad - the G-Star Scream Team or, as we refer to them, the G-Star Cadavers!!! Watch for more on the squad in the coming months! G-Star students are a breed apart and X-Scream Halloween 2009 is just one more way they continue to prove it!

George Colavecchio