At Lake Forest High School, traditions are more than just yearly events––they’re a part of what makes being a Scout so memorable. One of the most spirited comes in October: the Halloween Door Decorating Contest, a lively competition that fills the hallways with creativity, collaboration, and plenty of school pride.
Though It’s a relatively new tradition, it has quickly become a staple. Retired teacher Mrs. Rogna and Dean of Students Mrs. Clegg launched the contest in 2019 with the support of Student Council.
“We started it because we were looking for something fun to do in the late fall. Homecoming is over and there really isn’t a lot going on school-wide in this time period. It gave Student Council a fun project and initiated some school spirit!” Mrs. Clegg said.
In previous years, Student Council handled the voting, but this year students and staff will decide the winners themselves through The Forest Scout platform. This change is expected to increase engagement, intensify competition among door decorators, and make the announcement of the winner even more exciting. Mrs. Rogna used to create little trophies shaped like spooky doors for the winners–many of which are still proudly displayed in teachers’ classrooms today.
The contest used to feature multiple awards, such as “funniest,” “spookiest,” “most ‘halloweeny,’” and honorable mentions. This year, there will be five finalists showcased below and one overall winner declared later this week on the Friday of Halloween.
Mrs. Van Skyock is one of the most competitive participants, having won the award for “Spookiest Door” the past two years in a row. She’s aiming for a “three-peat” this year, and she credits her students as the “MVPS” when it comes to securing a winning door display.
“They bring their creativity, and I bring the supplies. Luckily, I go all out decorating my home for Halloween, so I have a ton of materials to make my students’ hauntingly awesome vision come to life. In the end, the real prize is having fun together and transforming our shared space into something fang-tasitc, especially when Halloween falls on a Friday,” Mrs. Van Skyock said.
The tradition continues to gain momentum, and the door designs are getting more extravagant each year. Head of Student Council Mrs. Carolyn Konz has been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive and helping it grow at our school. So, Scouts, show your appreciation for the dedication of the LFHS staff and students by casting your vote in the poll below!
Monster’s University
Counseling Department – Room 102
Buried Alive
English 3 – Room 11
The Body in the Library
Women’s Club – Publik Room
The Mad Scientist
Scout Seminar – Room 212
Alice in Wonderland
LS, Pop Culture Club – Room 140
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