At Morton East, plenty of ghost stories circulate among the student body. Many believe these stories to be true, while others believe they are merely rumors.

Most of these ghost stories have emerged due to the building’s old age, as Morton East was built in 1894. Since then, many don’t doubt that several fatal accidents have occurred within the school throughout the years. In a random survey of 100 Morton East students, 56 students believe East is haunted while 44 other students don’t believe it’s haunted.

“The rumors are all fake, the only ghost at East is Casper the Friendly Ghost,” says Linda “Scooby” Bultrini, the head of security at East.

These ghost stories are also popular among Morton East staff.

“I’ve heard from the security that they’ve seen some pretty scary things when they’re alone at night,” journalism teacher Mr. Frankfother said.

However, the most popular ghost story at Morton East is of the ghost that resides within the auditorium. Although there is plenty of speculation and uncertainty as to who it is, we have concluded that the ghost is, in fact, the late Mr. Drews. He was the theatre director at East in the 1970s up until his death, where he suffered a heart attack the morning of opening night for West Side Story. He loved his job and his students, so there are reasons to believe that his spirit isn’t malicious, but rather kind and welcoming.

“I’ve seen a cloaked figure in the balcony of the auditorium while I was running lights during a show ALONE and in the dark,” junior Jose Organista said.

Allegedly, it is also rumored that room 115 is haunted. Back in the 1900’s, it was previously used as a swimming pool for the gym classes until someone drowned in the pool while there was no lifeguard on duty. After this apparent incident, the pool was shut down and has since been remodeled into a supervision room for upperclassmen.

“I don’t think it’s haunted because it’s not creepy at all. There are no ghosts in 115, they’re all just dumb stories that kids spread,” senior Leslie Barrera said.

Nonetheless, the question remains, is Morton East haunted?