Fall at Leesville is by far one of the best times of the school year. Fall days bring football games, new pumpkin and fall flavors, and finally a much needed break from the summer weather. As it shifts from summer to fall, new trends start among students.

One of the most notable differences between summer and fall is the change in weather. With the chillier fall temperatures, clothing trends start to adjust to the new season. Tori Hay, sophomore, said, ”I’m starting to wear all my hoodies and sweatpants. I am also going to have to order some new winter clothes now that it’s too cold to wear shorts.” 

Hay, as well as other Leesville students, agreed that fall weather means sweatshirts and sweatpants. This also means new trends of wearing UGGs to school instead of summer flip flops.

One of the most famous fall staples is the appearance of pumpkin spice everywhere. From Starbucks’s new menu to Trader Joe’s endless selection of pumpkin spice snacks and baked goods, it’s easy to spot pumpkin spice from the very start of the season. 

Bentley Kriwox, sophomore, said, ”I used to hate it [pumpkin spice] actually. I didn’t really like it but then my mom started cooking with it. You know, making drinks and then I started drinking pumpkin spice lattes, eating pumpkin bread and stuff. I love it now, so I would say pumpkin spice is one of my favorite parts of fall.” While Kriwox grew to love pumpkin spice this year, other students have been looking forward to it since last year. 

Hay said, ”One of my all time favorite drinks is the Starbucks pumpkin chai lattes. The pumpkin cold foam on top is so delicious and I’ve been waiting for them to release the fall menu all year just for that.” 

Leesville students are split between what fall aesthetic is best. Some students prefer a cozy fall vibe. Hay said, “I definitely like the cozy fall vibe more… I love the thought of watching Gilmore Girls on the couch with my friends. Fall gives off blankets and lattes to me.” 

Another cozy fall fan, Grace Vincitorio, freshman, said, “I like cozy more because I hate being scared. I want to be happy and enjoy the season.”

As Halloween approaches, fall starts to take a different form. Fall days start shifting from sweet treats to spooky nights. Kriwox said, ”when I think of fall I like the spooky vibe of it. I like haunted houses and horror movies… I just watched ‘Smile’ and now it’s my favorite fall movie.” Many students like Kriwox like being scared. Instead of warmhearted TV shows, it’s psychological thrillers. 

Reis Martin, sophomore, said over the phone, “I’m not really into cute fall TV shows. If I’m going to watch anything around Halloween time it’s going to be a horror movie. My favorite horror movie is the ‘Scream’ movies.”

Fall can change from person to person, whether students like pumpkin patches or Panic Point there’s a different mood for everyone. 

In any store in fall, there’s going to be a huge candle section. Leesville students have their own opinion on what scent makes a room smell like fall. Students were asked what scent made them think of fall and 30% said pumpkin spice, 40% said cinnamon, and 30% said apple cider. 

Vincintorio said, ” I think of pumpkin spice because I feel like that’s just the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of a fall candle.” While pumpkin spice is the classic fall scent, cinnamon was the most popular scent choice among students. 

Kriwox said, “I chose cinnamon because my mom buys a cinnamon broom stick from Trader Joes every year and it smells so strong.”

Another big part of fall at Leesville is the different activities students look forward to each year. Whether students go to pumpkin patches or haunted houses, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Students said they like spending time with friends and making the most of the cooler weather. Whether fun for them is going to Panic Point, watching fall movies, or going out to take pictures in the fall scenery, there are lots of ways to celebrate this loved season.