By: Neko Baker and Olivia McGuire

It is officially spooky season! Springfield High School is known for its unique history of being haunted due to being built on a grave site. When the school was built, all the graves were dug up and taken away with the exception of one– Rachel. She has been known to haunt places in the school, including the elevator, roof, basement and book room.

Newspaper staffers Olivia McGuire and Neko Baker went on an adventure through the school to explore these scary sites. When entering the elevator, Neko got scared and fell to the ground, proclaiming “I’m so scared, I don’t think I can do this anymore.” She eventually got over her fear and was able to finish the elevator ride. When riding the elevator for a second time, Olivia’s phone was knocked out of her hand! We concluded it had to be Rachel.

Sadly Olivia and Neko were not able to make it on the roof, but got to explore the book room instead. The two frightened girls sat in the dark for 10 minutes. Olivia said “I think I hear a tapping noise” and Neko timidly responded, “Oh my gosh I do too.” After about five minutes, they heard noises. “It sounds like screams coming from the vents,” Neko said on the verge of tears. They rushed out of the book room, scared for their lives. “I was worried we weren’t going to survive,” frightened Olivia said.

After that experience, the duo decided to go to the basement– which is the scariest place in the school because it is the final resting place of Rachel’s tomb. Benjamin Kramer, a super cool guy, bravely led the way. They saw tunnels which connect to the main office and elevator. They also saw the boiler room which was rumored to be the cause of an explosion that occurred in 1932. Three firefighters died when trying to stop the explosion. People believe these victims haunt the school with Rachel today. Lastly, Neko and Olivia saw the legendary tombstone. When Neko touched the tombstone she had a reaction, “I think it did something to me.” Olivia said, “It feels so powerful.”

Olivia interviewed various people on their experiences with the ghosts at Springfield High. When asked about the most paranormal things they have experienced, Nola Sommer said “One time I was going to the bathroom and I had a pass from a teacher and I accidently dropped it and when I came back it was gone. I heard noises and ran back to class.” Nola will never be the same. Shari Troike, Student Council co-advisor, said “One time when it was really late, my daughter and I were the only ones in the building rolling paper for Student Council and a door swung open suddenly. I was too scared to investigate.” History teacher Jeff Lightfoot yelled, “Maybe Rachel doesn’t exist!” Clearly, he does not believe in ghosts. But the real question is… do you believe?

photos courtesy of Neko and Olivia