Hoover’s annual haunted house, created by the drama department, has started to take shape in the Performing Arts Complex, and will be ready to scare unsuspecting customers at the end of October.

Seniors Jenifer Lopez and Jasmine Rodriguez are overseeing this year’s haunted house titled, “Caitlin’s Watching…”

“We wanted to pay homage to where it all started,” expressed Jenifer. “And I’m referring to the first haunted house back in 2008, ‘Dolly’s Playhouse’.”

Back in 2008, Hoover alumni, Rocio Hernandez-Alba, asked theater teacher Mr. Michael Heu, if they could make a haunted house.  Mr. Heu agreed but asked what it was going to look like and what would be the theme.  The class discussed ideas and decided to go with the theme based on one of Hoover’s urban legends.

Legend has it that sometime in the 50s, a young female student, believed to be named “Caitlin,” jumped from the tower after some football players spread untrue rumors about her.  Her spirit haunts the PAC to this very day.  If she decides to appear, it is mostly to students.  She has been known to be a part of the haunted house too.

“We thought she would’ve moved on after the demolition of the old theater,” stated Mr. Heu.  “But even during construction, some of the workers said they saw movement up in the catwalk.  She has also made her presence known, especially to students, by turning some of the lights on and off.”

This yearly event has grown over the years and involves many students, not only from VAPA, but from other academies as well.  It is also open to the feeder schools, Monroe Clark and Wilson, as well as the elementary schools too, if they dare to come. It has been one of the most fun events at Hoover that students look forward to.

The dates for this year’s house are October 28, 29, and 30, from 5-8 pm.  Admission for students and children is $5, and adults are $10.