Although it was nearly 80 degrees with sunny skies last Friday, Dec. 8, walking through the historic courtyard was just like walking in a Winter Wonderland.
The Archer community celebrated its annual Winter Wonderland, a multi holiday event, during lunchtime in the courtyard. There were numerous holiday activities for students to participate in, such as “Gift-Wrap Your Dean,” gingerbread house-decorating and winter trivia. Class representatives handed out warm latkes and hot cocoa at booths.
Winter Wonderland was also a free dress day, and students were encouraged to dress in a winter theme to earn spirit points for their grade.
Students could also gain spirit points by winning one of the aforementioned competition-oriented activities. Teachers and class representatives gave out spirit point tickets for students to put into their class’s box. Ninth grade Dean of Culture, Community and Belonging Stephanie Ferri said she looked for those who were most embodying the holiday spirit when giving out tickets.
“I definitely was looking at people who have really themed dress and really embrace being able to be dressed for the holidays,” Ferri said.
Ella Tulloch (’27) said she earned a spirit point ticket from one teacher for her holiday outfit and was proud to contribute to her grade’s overall spirit point count.
“I won spirit points for wearing Christmas attire,” Tulloch said. “It makes us feel good because, as a grade, we can then win more points for the end of the year.”
When asked about which event she thinks students are most motivated to win spirit points for, Student Council Executive Board member Laila Charles (’24) said the competitive nature of the gingerbread house-decorating activity appealed to many students. Additionally, Charles said her favorite part of Winter Wonderland is seeing everybody’s outfit choices.
“I know we all celebrate different holidays, so seeing everyone’s sweaters, onesies and everything is super fun,” Charles said.
Similarly, Sophie Lem (’30) said she thinks the gingerbread house competition excites students most.
“I think probably gingerbread decorating because I feel like it’s a really fun activity and will motivate them to try their best,” Lem said. “It’s also a competition, so they want to win.”
Since she is a dean, Ferri was “gift-wrapped” during “Gift-Wrap Your Dean.” Ferri described feeling excited about participating in the event.
“I feel great about it,” Ferri said. “It’s my first time, and I didn’t actually get to see it last year, so I am excited.”
There are many opportunities to win spirit points for each grade level that involve intense competition, such as tug-of-war during Color Wars. However, according to Charles, Winter Wonderland is different from the other events because it is less competitive overall and instead focused on holiday cheer before winter break.
“I feel it’s a little different,” Charles said, “because this one is less about competition and more of just everyone getting in the holiday spirit.”
What was your favorite activity at Winter Wonderland?
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(Photo Credit: Emily Paschall)
