Sunday, December 21, 2025
34.0°F

Reindeer games rule in 'Deck the Halls'

BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 months AGO
by BILL BULEY
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | December 26, 2024 1:00 AM

The reindeer games at Lakes Middle School were not just about having fun, which it was.

This was little more serious.

Eighth graders were determined to claim the “Deck the Halls” title for Christmas. 

“It's bragging rights," said Mason Sheckler. “Last year, it was really heated.” 

“It’s fun and competition,” said Sade Hoston. “The school spirit is good.” 

The two students greeted guests like Mayor Woody McEvers and Councilors Amy Evans, Kiki Miller and Kenny Gabriel who arrived to judge the decorated halls Dec. 18. 

Eighth graders showed the winning spirit and ruled the day with some Christmas magic. Their reindeer-themed hallway featured students juggling, playing ring toss and cards, all while wearing antlers and Santa caps.

Students also offered judges Christmas cards from eighth grade teachers, explaining the “Stable Rules,” such as “All snacks must be approved by Santa,” “No rough reindeer play” and “Keep mistletoe out of stables.” 

Carolers, Santa Claus handing out cookies and elves were among the Christmas figures putting on a holiday show. Themes included winter wonderland and candy cane lane as students used recycled or reusable materials.

Judges gave them an A for effort. 

Miller praised their teamwork and creativity. 

“It was great to see,” Miller said.  

“The carolers were amazing,” Evans said. 

Both gave their nod to the eighth graders. 

“They’re a step ahead of everyone,” Evans said. 

Their prize was a small, decorated Christmas tree in the main office, but that wasn’t their motivation.

“It’s worth it for our great school,” said one student. 

    Zack Kilgore dons a Santa outfit as he hands out cookies during the "Deck the Halls" competition at Lakes Middle School.
 
 
    Landon Smith sports a reindeer costume for the "Deck the Halls" competition at Lakes Middle School.
 
 
    Braxton Rogo wear antlers while juggling for the "Deck the Halls" competition at Lakes Middle School.
 
 
    Coeur d'Alene City Councilor Amy Evans tours Lakes Middle School as a judge for the "Deck the Halls" competition.
 
 
    Cannon Randklev talks to judges at Lakes Middle School for the "Deck the Halls" competition.
 
 



ARTICLES BY BILL BULEY

Mayor Woody McEvers lauded for service to Coeur d'Alene
December 21, 2025 1:08 a.m.

Mayor Woody McEvers lauded for service to Coeur d'Alene

Mayor Woody McEvers lauded for service to Coeur d'Alene

Woody McEvers praised for selfless service

Tech Hub app could bring job training center to Post Falls
December 21, 2025 1:09 a.m.

Tech Hub app could bring job training center to Post Falls

Tech Hub app could bring job training center to Post Falls

The AAMMC Tech Hub members have focused on a clear objective: bring the world's largest composites press and advanced composites equipment to the Inland Northwest to accelerate prototyping of advanced material aerospace parts and train a pipeline of engineers and suppliers so that next-generation of aerospace parts remain in the INW for decades to come.

Man survives after falling tree strikes car
December 19, 2025 1 a.m.

Man survives after falling tree strikes car

Wife, children OK after freak accident in Blanchard

Sandpoint man survives after tree smashes into car