Showing up at Fort Belknap Community Center on Friday, October 30, Baby Shark delivered special Halloween treat bags along with student homework packets. Harlem Elementary Assistant Principal, Ms. Evelyn Bigby dressed as Baby Shark to make the drive-thru delivery on behalf of Warriors for Families.

"In these times of COVID, we're told so much about what we can't do, that I simply wanted to bring a smile to the faces of our kiddos. If dressing up as Psycho T or Baby Shark is what it takes, I'm willing to do that," Bigby stated.

Last May when honoring students for their attendance, Bigby wore an inflatable-style, full body costume fashioned as a Tyrannosaurus rex, whom Harlem Elementary School Principal Shiloh Seymour jokingly referred to as "Psycho T," a name which has apparently stuck.

That Bigby's efforts at bringing smiles were successful can perhaps be measured by the non-stop traffic that lined up from 11:45-1:10 on October 30. "Traffic was backed up all the way to Tourism at one point," Bigby reported.

Although Warriors for Families has held Trunk or Treat festivities at Harlem Elementary for Halloween in the past, this year has forced many traditions to change. In place of the usual Halloween celebration, the Warriors gathered to assemble treat bags for the students.

According to Bigby, Avis Ball was the lead player in organizing the treat bags, although she had the assistance of many other Warriors. Warriors for Families is a group of community-oriented volunteers from the Fort Belknap Indian Community dedicated to promoting family-based activities in an effort to help restore and heal the family unit.

Harlem Elementary School's Computer and Technology Assistant, Janice Gilham reported that "the students were happy to receive their treats, especially from such a huge, toothy-grinned, pink shark."

Bigby was quick to credit the Harlem Elementary Staff for their efforts in making the October 30 delivery a success. Although Harlem School District delivers meals every weekday, homework packets accompany the meal delivery on Fridays. For their efforts and their roles in making that process successful, Bigby wished to recognize Enrique Rivera, Joyce Ironstar, Robin Folk, and Lawanda Jackson. She also extended a special thank you to Mrs. Cathy Bear who organizes the distribution of the packets every week.

"I am immensely pleased with the response we received and with the cooperation of our staff," Bigby said. "It's deeply satisfying to know that we could bring smiles to the faces of so many with such a simple gesture."