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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Students at Ottumwa High School spent their lunch break Friday seeing their teachers compete in an ugly sweater contest.

KTVO spoke with a few of the participants, who were very creative with the competition.

"We thought it would be fun to have an ugly festive Christmas party. So we all wore sweaters," said Assistant Principal Zach Wigle.

"I couldn't find a festive sweater. So I took it upon myself to create my own, supporting little santa this year. My friend here is Larry the Lizard, well he is actually a bearded dragon. He also took part in the festive sweater party today," said teacher Heather Alexander.

Alexander actually did have a live bearded dragon on her sweater, which was also adorned with lights that were synchronized.

Amy Drake told KTVO that she had difficulty finding a sweater, so she took matters into her own hands.

"I went looking for a really ugly sweater at Goodwill and Salvation Army, and I couldn't find anything ugly enough; so I decided to pretty much find anything that I could that was red and green and glue it to myself," said Drake.

Health teacher Andy Swedenhjelm had a different approach.

"I am not as creative as the other ladies, I did my shopping at Walmart," said Swedenhjelm.

The winning teacher of the contest received a $25 gift card.

The teachers told KTVO that students really enjoyed seeing all of the festive sweaters just in-time for the holiday weekend.