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A trick-or-treater in a Blue’s Clues-themed costume attends Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Community Trick-or-Treat event. Families visited decorated tables for candy and activities as part of the annual celebration.
Pierpont Photo / A trick-or-treater in a Blue’s Clues-themed costume attends Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Community Trick-or-Treat event. Families visited decorated tables for candy and activities as part of the annual celebration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2025

Fairmont, WV – Pierpont Community and Technical College hosted its fourth annual Community Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 23 at the Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont, welcoming families from across North Central West Virginia.

Families enter the Advanced Technology Center during Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Community Trick-or-Treat event Oct. 23 in Fairmont, W.Va. The annual event featured decorated tables, candy and activities for children and families.
Pierpont Photo / Families enter the Advanced Technology Center during Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Community Trick-or-Treat event Oct. 23 in Fairmont, W.Va. The annual event featured decorated tables, candy and activities for children and families.

This year’s event featured more than 30 tables hosted by Pierpont’s academic programs and departments, local businesses, and community organizations. It drew more than 600 community members, including more than 300 children, for an evening of candy, costumes and community spirit.

Faculty and students in Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program pose with their award for Best Table during the Community Trick-or-Treat event. Their Harry Potter-themed display featured Honeydukes candy and Platform 9¾ décor.
Pierpont Photo / Faculty and students in Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program pose with their award for Best Table during the Community Trick-or-Treat event. Their Harry Potter-themed display featured Honeydukes candy and Platform 9¾ décor.

“Community is in our name, and we were thrilled to welcome the little ghosts and goblins, princesses, mad scientists, and action heroes who visited our College during our Community Trick-or-Treat,” said Dr. Michael Waide, Interim President of Pierpont. “I am grateful to our students, staff, and faculty who coordinated the fun experience for our neighbors. Pierpont is proud to be a neighbor in Marion County and across North Central West Virginia, opening our doors to celebrate together as one community.”

A child reaches for candy from a Snap-on toolbox at the Career and Corporate Training display during the Community Trick-or-Treat event. The table, led by Dr. Joni M. Gray, featured toolboxes filled with treats for families.
Pierpont Photo / A child reaches for candy from a Snap-on toolbox at the Career and Corporate Training display during the Community Trick-or-Treat event. The table, led by Dr. Joni M. Gray, featured toolboxes filled with treats for families.

Among the participating organizations were Scouting America, The Grazing Goat Charcuterie, Marion County Family Resource and Support Center, WV Women Work, and others. Pierpont’s academic programs and departments also joined in the fun, including Academic Affairs, Health Information Technology, Medical Billing and Coding, Physical Therapist Assistant, Support Services, eLearning and Virtual Reality, Licensed Practical Nursing, Admissions, Career and Corporate Training and more.

Children visit the School of Health Sciences’ ketchup-and-mustard-themed table during Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Community Trick-or-Treat event.
Pierpont Photo / Children visit the School of Health Sciences’ ketchup-and-mustard-themed table during Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Community Trick-or-Treat event.

Pierpont also recognized the winners of its internal contests during the event. The Physical Therapist Assistant program won the traveling trophy for Best Table with its Harry Potter-themed display featuring Honeydukes candy on the train to Hogwarts. Melissa Weikle, executive assistant to the provost and vice president of academic affairs, won Best Costume for her pirate attire at the Academic Affairs pirate-themed table.

Melissa Weikle receives the Best Costume award from David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Pierpont, during the Community Trick-or-Treat event. Weikle wore a pirate costume as part of the pirate-themed table.
Pierpont Photo / Melissa Weikle receives the Best Costume award from David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Pierpont, during the Community Trick-or-Treat event. Weikle wore a pirate costume as part of the pirate-themed table.

“It’s always great to see the creativity and effort our faculty, staff and community partners put into this event,” said David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Pierpont. “Announcing the contest winners was a fun way to wrap up the evening, and it was great to see the community come together for a safe night of Halloween fun.”

The Physical Therapist Assistant program’s Harry Potter-themed display, featuring Honeydukes candy and a Platform 9¾ backdrop, is shown during the Community Trick-or-Treat event. The program won Best Table in the event’s internal contest.
Pierpont Photo / The Physical Therapist Assistant program’s Harry Potter-themed display, featuring Honeydukes candy and a Platform 9¾ backdrop, is shown during the Community Trick-or-Treat event. The program won Best Table in the event’s internal contest.

This event reflects Pierpont’s commitment to being an active part of the community. Faculty, staff, and students worked together to create a safe, festive environment for families, filling the halls with decorated tables and Halloween fun.

“We were impressed with the turnout and how organized everything was,” said Sarah Amos of Fairmont, who attended with her husband and two daughters. “The kids had fun, and it felt like a safe, family-friendly event.”

Pierpont Community and Technical College serves the region by providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education and workforce training. For more information, visit pierpont.edu.

Pierpont Community and Technical College is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region’s economic and workforce needs.

Media Contact:

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Office of Marketing and Communications

communications@pierpont.edu