Zombies and Prevention: An Unexpected Success Story

By Elizabeth Ruth

Spooky season is in full swing and a group of zombies are getting ready to take the stage for the second annual Zombie Fashion Runway in Concrete.

At first glance, encouraging teens to dress up like the undead and compete in a runway show might seem like a fun activity but unrelated to the mission of the Concrete Resource Coalition. As a group working to improve school performance, reduce delinquency and substance use, and address mental health, this type of event actually builds in key protective factors for young people that contribute to positive outcomes. 

How, you might ask? By engaging youth in planning and creating activities for their peers that follow best practices in prevention and relate back to shared goals. 

I don’t think any of the adults would have come up with such an out-of-the-box idea – just another reason why youth-led activities are amazing!

– Stephanie Morgareidge

The idea for the event was developed after reviewing results from a 2024 student survey. The data led CRC and its Concrete Prevention Posse youth coalition members to focus on two Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) they wanted to grow in their community:

  • Youth having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely care about them.
  • Students feeling a sense of belonging in their community.

After an epic brainstorming session, Concrete Prevention Posse (CPP) youth examined how potential activities offered opportunities, skills, and recognition for their peers, the key elements of the Social Development Strategy, and how it related back to the PCEs.

“Adult members of the Coalition are familiar with creating a logic model to show how activities relate to impact and outcomes, and this was a new process for CPP”, shared CRC Coordinator, Stephanie Morgareidge. “At first, I wasn’t sure about the idea. After talking through their vision for a zombie event and making connections back to prevention, [I] changed my mind. I don’t think any of the adults would have come up with such an out-of-the-box idea – just another reason why youth-led activities are amazing!”

The first year of the event was an incredible success! Fifteen students performed in front of a crowd at the historic Concrete Theatre. Adults took on the coordination of the event so CPP youth could fully participate, and the creativity shown by all the students was impressive. 

Tasked with creating a zombie backstory, one question, “what do you like about being a zombie?”, prompted a response of, “I don’t have to pay taxes”. Elaboration on how someone died ranged from water and car accidents, to battle and science experiments gone wrong. Students had free reign to create a perfectly decayed costume to fit their story. They got help from adult volunteers to create runway-ready hair and makeup looks.

The community cheered on every zombie and enjoyed brain-shaped cinnamon rolls donated by 5b’s bakery before the judges declared winners of such prestigious categories as best costume, best make-up, best backstory, best zombie strut, and best overall.

If your child is ready to limp, drag, and shuffle their way down the runway at the haunted and historic Concrete Theatre this year, entry and participation are free for any youth age 12+. Adults are also welcome to join the fun. Please note: everyone’s story and runway look should be PG.

The event takes place Thursday, October 22 from 6-7 pm and will also include a special family-friendly performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance!

Sign up here by October 16 to participate.

Questions? Contact CRC@UniteGeneral.org

Learn more about the CRC and its Concrete Prevention Posse and get involved!

The Concrete Resource Coalition, a program of United General District 304, is funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority with support from community sponsors, donations, and volunteers.