Archbishop Carroll High School classrooms and hallways were transformed into festive holiday displays during a room and door decorating competition held in the days leading up to Christmas break, an event hosted by student council to encourage school spirit.
The competition invited homerooms to decorate their classroom doors and surrounding hallways, with winners earning a breakfast during Catholic Schools Week, according to Student Council moderator Mrs. Mulligan.
“We just wanted to get into the holiday spirit with the door competition,” said Mrs. Mulligan, head of the language department and moderator of Student Council.
Student council executive board members and Mrs. Mulligan served as judges for the competition. The standout rooms belonged to Madame Wafa Zarrad and Mr. Ronald Cummings, with Madame Zarrad’s classroom earning first place.
Madame Zarrad, who teaches French and honors geometry, said her students worked together to create a “White Christmas” theme that extended beyond the classroom door.
“The theme of our decorations was ‘White Christmas,’” said Madame Zarrad. “I’ve always loved decorating, especially during the holiday season, and I wanted to create a warm, festive, and magical atmosphere.”
Madame Zarrad said winning the competition was especially meaningful because of the effort her students put into the project.
“Winning the competition felt wonderful, especially knowing how much effort and enthusiasm the students put into the project,” said Madame Zarrad. “I was very proud of them and grateful for the experience we shared.”
She said collaboration was the most rewarding part of the experience.
“My favorite part was the sense of sharing and collaboration,” said Madame Zarrad. “It was a moment to do something different from regular teaching and to spend quality time with the students in a creative way.”
Mr. Cummings’ homeroom also devoted significant time and effort to the competition, with senior Nathan Moc helping lead the decorating process and gather materials.
“My favorite part about helping with the decorating was actually the hunt for the items I brought in,” said Moc, a senior. “Tracking things down and figuring out how to make everything work together was what made it fun.”
Moc said his involvement stemmed from both his role in student council and his desire to motivate his classmates to participate.
“I got involved because I was a student council member, and I wanted to encourage my homeroom to actually get involved and create something meaningful,” Moc said.
He said the decorating process required sacrifices from students and was more challenging than expected because of the size of the hallway.
“It wasn’t easy,” Moc said. “People gave up lunches and free periods, but everyone worked together to make it happen.”
Moc said seeing the final product come together was a moment of pride for the entire group.
“Not only was I excited, but my fellow homeroom mates were also very proud of what they managed to accomplish through teamwork and combined effort,” Moc said.
Despite the stress, Moc said the experience was memorable.
“There was a lot of pressure,” Moc said. “But sometimes it’s not about winning — it’s about the memories made along the way.”
Mrs. Mulligan said students can look forward to celebrating the winners during Catholic Schools Week.
“The breakfast is scheduled during an extended homeroom,” Mrs. Mulligan said. “Students will enjoy donuts, treats, coffee, and juice.”
