We decked the halls with boughs of holly, but why stop there? This year we achieved a brand new level of Christmas cheer, but there’s no need to stop climbing. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the classroom doors are just waiting to be decorated once more.

The opportunities for festive decorations are endless: Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, the start of spring, and the days leading up to summer break. We missed a few crucial holidays this year: Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Although it does not occur during the school year the Fourth of July is one of the best holidays for decorating and dressing up. With ‘Merica hats, shirts, pants, and chubbies sold everywhere, the possibilities for an American-Flag-themed day are endless.

These numerous holidays could be celebrated by competitions similar to the one at Christmas. Mr. Hollin and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes did a fantastic job motivating everyone to come together and promote festivity. Why should we lose the momentum now that Christmas has passed?

Nothing brought out the Christmas spirit more than walking through the Guidance Hallway in the weeks leading up to Dec. 25. After the doors were finished, being in school and walking from class to class actually made students happy rather than causing dread. Let’s be honest, how could you not smile when you walked by Guidance Counselor Larry Hensley’s door and saw a giant picture of Will Ferrell as Buddy from “Elf?”

While other holidays may not have the typical excitement that is associated with Christmas, there’s no reason for them to be ignored. For example, we could have a Thanksgiving decoration competition. Not only has the competition motivated decoration, but the winning advisory can celebrate together. That promotes the family atmosphere JC should strive to create every day.

The decoration of the doors created a sense of community within JC. Members of advisories bonded over the rolls of construction paper, strings of lights, and friendly school-wide competition.

It is things as simple as a few decorative pieces of construction paper that make JC a community rather than just a school. Elaborate decorations aren’t necessary. Why not cut out some paper hearts to garnish your doors this Valentine’s Day? It’s time to say goodbye to the plain walls of JC and say hello to colorful construction paper, glitter glue, and hundreds of rolls of blue painter’s tape.