The 2023 Holiday Door Decorating Competition  

Dakota recently had its annual door decorating competition for the holiday season. Every class could participate during their fourth hour, so the students could decorate during their lunch. It started on Tuesday December 5th and all the doors were judged on Monday December 18th, giving each class almost two weeks to decorate their door however they wanted. Also, there were four winners this year instead of three. The four categories to be awarded were most creative, most festive, most humorous, and the new category this year being “fan favorite.” QR codes were posted around the school where any student can vote on which is their favorite door and whatever class had the most votes would win that category. Every winning class got coupons for each student to receive one free cookie from the Cougar Den as the prize this year. Here is a look at some of the doors that caught my eye this year. 

                                                       Honorable Mentions 

 First is room 200 which had a reindeer on their door wearing Dakota cross country apparel and running shoes. I like this one because it represents what the teacher and what some of the students enjoy which was made into a nice festive theme.  

Next up is Mr. Pojeta in room 214 whose students created a fake crime scene with a snowman with a missing arm and a lot of caution tape surrounding the area on the walls and mini-Christmas tree. 

Class 219 was one of my favorites because it has Santa going down the chimney of the house and his sleigh on the roof with the reindeer. Additionally, there was a basket of mints for whoever wanted one in the little door, and I do not think any other class had something like that as part of their decoration. 

Next, door 227 was one that caught my eye. They decorated it around the slogan at the top,” There is snow place like DHS” featuring a ton of the things that Dakota provides or is a part of on the side of the door such as Key Club and DECA. 

Ms. Doud’s students in room 208 had a nice slogan as well.” It’s the season to SPARKLE” with the snowman being made up of disco balls makes it unique from the others.  

                                                               The Winners 

Ms. Sabel’s students in room 124 won most festive with their huge display. They worked hard to make a candy cane path to the door, a fake fireplace, and a gingerbread man cut out to take pictures. This was my favorite by far because of how much work was put into all of it. 

The attendance office also anticipated and was awarded most humorous this year. They created a Christmas tree out of early dismissal slips from a single day at Dakota. 

Ms. Hellel in room 226 won the most creative this year with their reindeer rescue. It looks like an ambulance meant for injured reindeer and run by elves.                                                                       

Finally, Ms. Sneaker from room 205 won fan favorite with its Santa themed door. Most students voted for this one.