For the past sixteen years, victory in the hallway decorating contest has always gone to the upperclassmen, leaving the sophomores to endure a bitter losing streak. This year, things took an unexpected turn with a Sophomore Class win. In what has become a spirited tradition that began more than two decades earlier, students gathered after school on December 1 to participate in the annual event—an evening that showcases each class’ creativity, teamwork, and school spirit.
“I was honestly really excited when I first heard the plans for the wall because I love Disney and think it’s such a well-known company. The idea for the wall comes from a series of 2002 Disney commercials when Stitch was first being released,” said Sophomore Class Vice President Ann-Marie Gonzalez ‘28. “The board thought the idea given by Catherine Dharmawan was genius, and planning began.”
Planning expanded into after-school meetings and continued into Thanksgiving break, during which students and board members worked on individual pieces that contributed to their design. Even so, all four classes struggled with time management, causing them all to plan over break.
“The board actually had to group together at one of the board members’ houses to finish a lot of the decorations twice over the weekend before the day came when we had to put up the decorations,” said Sophomore Class Treasurer Disha Patel ‘28.
Monday evening, all classes were faced with the final and most important challenge of putting their pieces together. The sophomores finished their work at around 6 p.m., earlier than the other classes. Teamwork was crucial as volunteers hung up lights and put up tape to support the posters. School Counselor and sophomore class advisor Ms. Sinyee Muglia was credited with being of great help to their success.
“Our advisor, Ms. Muglia, was also great as she ordered the lei and I believe a few other items for us, as well as helping with the decorations,” said Lakshmi Jageesh ’28.
On Tuesday, the day after the designs were put up, the school day was nearing its end when Principal Mr. Charles Ross announced over the loudspeakers that the sophomores had won, honoring their commitment to decorating, their devotion to Disney, and their dedication to representing the Class of 2028. As underclassmen, the sophomores beat expectations, demonstrating the school spirit that they had seen in prior winners, and ultimately surpassing the seniors.
Despite the huge win, the other classes—including the juniors, who got second place—still expressed pride in their designs and the work they accomplished in the short timeframe.
“We learned teamwork truly shows great results,” said Irene Choe ’27. “I personally am really proud of our results as second. Honestly, we believe that our wall was very creative and unique, while the sophomore wall was very well-executed. It really was about what was more eye-catching, and in the end, we believe all four classes did an amazing job.”
Overall, the feedback from all classes was positive, in spite of tight scheduling and limited manpower, highlighting the resourcefulness every class seemed to share. Although juniors celebrated their close finish, seniors reflected their pride in doing what they could.
“This year around, not many seniors came to the hallway decorating preparation meetings, and we also had short notice, so we, as board members, knew not to plan an elaborate theme or design,” said Senior Class President Syesha Fraser ’26. “However, I do believe we made the best out of the help available and, in all, had fun decorating and planning the theme, ‘The Nightmare Before Senior Year.’”
Last year, the current sophomores were in a similar position to the freshmen this year. By taking in the scene around them, the Class of 2029 was now able to learn how things should be done in future competitions. Following in the footsteps of the older classes, they took note of their struggles and knew where they could improve on their own products.
“We learned that planning is crucial for this, along with better paper coverage on the walls. I think what we should’ve done was work more on each part of this year’s theme, especially the main attractions, so we can just assemble them on the day of, and not rush through it,” said Freshman Class Treasurer Ada Chin ’29.
“When seeing the upperclassmen set up their hallways, I noticed how they drew out their decorations and used fewer 3D elements. We’ll definitely follow that so our decorations don’t fall off the walls.”
With said strategies in mind, expectations for next year are high. Will the current sophomores defend their title as juniors, or will the freshmen make a comeback as the sophomores did this year? Regardless of the winner, increasing participation is a crucial goal for all of EHS.
“I expect next year for all the classes to really show up and for everyone to get involved in the school spirit!” said Gonzalez.
The shortage of volunteers, combined with the limited planning time, challenged every class this year. Despite the obstacles, students are still eager to try again, with more friends and help involved.
“Next year, it is only going to be bigger and better,” said Ross.
