International students join an American tradition of carving pumpkins
![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. Pumpkin carving artists with their creations.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-01.jpg)
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.”
![HFC students and employees work happily on their pumpkins in the John McDonald Student & Culinary Arts Center.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-02.jpg)
![From L-R: Todd Hakim, HFC student Ahmed Altaee, Kelly Baratono, HFC student Lauren Whitley, and HFC student Lindizga Mkangama show off their pumpkins before lighting them.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-03.jpg)
![HFC Admissions Associate III Sara Gonzalez-Herrera carves her pumpkin with meticulous detail.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-04.jpg)
![HFC Manager of Orientation and New Student Engagement Kelly Baratono looks up from her work.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-05.jpg)
![HFC Record Associate II Kimyette Black works diligently on her pumpkin.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-06.jpg)
![HFC student Lindizga Mkangama has fun carving her jack o'lantern.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-07.jpg)
![HFC International Admissions Associate Sulian Larmond shows us what's inside her pumpkin.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-08.jpg)
![HFC College Completion Coach Todd Hakim works on a creation uniquely his own.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2023/2023-1030-pumpkin-carving-09.jpg)