’Tis the Season for Cascade High School’s Annual Holiday Spirit Week

As Christmas approached, the halls were decked, spirits were high, and the air buzzed with festive cheer as Cascade High School celebrated its annual holiday spirit week. Throughout the week, there were five themed spirit days, along with various activities and competitions.

Ian Davelaar (9) faces off against Caleb Bozorth (10) in the bow scoop challenge at lunch on December 15. Photo credit: Roselyn Robison

On Monday, students and staff wore their ugliest Christmas sweaters to start the week off strong. During lunch, students participated in cocoa pong, ice bucket, and bow scoop challenges. The class that performed best in the competitions and wore the ugliest sweaters earned the most points. Additionally, Kodiak community members voted online for “Who Wore it Ugliest?”—a teacher ugly sweater competition. On Friday, during the Winter Wishes event, the winner was revealed: Mr. Stubbs, who won by a landslide.

Students kicked off the holiday cheer on Tuesday, December 16 during “Santa versus the Grinch” sumo soccer during flex in the CHS gym. Photo credit: Jacob Harris (11)

Tuesday’s theme was winter sports, with students dressing in ski, snowboard, or other winter-related clothing. After signing up in teams of three in the main office on Monday, students competed in a sumo soccer game during flex. Each team chose to represent either Santa, symbolizing a love for all things Christmas, or the Grinch, symbolizing a dislike for all things Christmas. The competition was fierce, but in the end seniors Arlo Gibbs, Max Speigel and Eli Fortney won.

Ms. Rosenfield reads Sneezy the Snowman to students in the cafeteria during lunch. Photo credit: Roselyn Robison

Wednesday focused on warmth and coziness for Cozy Day. Before school, students constructed a "cozy corner" inspired by blanket forts built when they were yougner - featuring blankets and pillows and holiday character. During lunch, there was hot cocoa and story time. Students could bring their own mugs to be filled with hot cocoa while teachers read holiday stories in the cafeteria.

“I was most excited for Christmas pajama day because I liked that I could wear my pajamas without everyone making fun of me,” said Julian Feeney (11).

Amelia Morgan (9), Sally Fortney (11) and Tenley Delisi (10) help at the tea bar in the library during Tea and Trivia. Photo credit: Roselyn Robison

Thursday’s theme was Santa on Vacation, where students dressed in tropical vacation attire with a Christmas twist. During flex, students enjoyed hot tea and played trivia games, and during lunch, they had the opportunity to take pictures with the Grinch.

Finally, on Friday, students dressed as Whos from Whoville. During the half-day of school, there was a pancake breakfast, appearances by the Grinch, gifts, and live music as one final celebration before Christmas break.

“I was most excited for Whoville day because it was a unique spirit day that we hadn’t had before,” said Addie Weaver (11).

The CHS ASB and leadership team made holiday spirit week possible. After planning the competitions, spirit days, and activities, they created a memorable week of festive fun. In particular, EWU Introduction to Event Management and Planning student Max Speigel (12) oversaw all events. He worked collaboratively with Winter Wishes managers Thayer Robison (11) and Micah Wilder (12) to come up with themes and activity ideas. Then, he wrote POs, secured supplies, hired employees (other Leadership students), and ran many events himself. "The ideas the boys came up with were so creative," said Leadership teacher Ms. Robison. "Max really cared about the week being fun for everyone and put a lot of attention into small details. I am very proud of all his hard work."

Beyond the fun, the takeaway from the CHS holiday spirit week was the unity and school spirit fostered by the different themes, games, and competitions. The week concluded on a positive note as students headed into Christmas break.