Holiday Lighting ceremony brightens the season

by HyunJi Lee
hlee3@cougars.ccis.edu



St. Clair Hall

“Ten, nine, eight … three, two, one, zero!” Thousands of brilliant lights illuminated the Columbia College buildings Dec. 3, kicking off the holiday season. Columbia College faculty, staff, students and their guests gathered on Bass Commons to count down the 14th-annual Holiday Lighting.

In his address to the a crowd, President Gerald Brouder acknowledged the role of Bonnie Brouder, first lady, in initiating the Holiday Lighting, which has become a tradition at the college.

For Kayla Dunnavant, freshman, it was her first Holiday Lighting. She said traditions like this are good because they bring people together.



Dorsey Hall

Following the lighting, the attendees moved to Dulany Hall for a reception, where they enjoyed traditional carols performed by Judith Shaw, piano instructor. Children decorated cookies at a station in the cafeteria and ate their creations. Santa Claus greeted the children and visited with them to hear their Christmas lists. The Jane Froman Singers graced the occasion by singing Christmas carols, including “Ding, Dong! Merrily on High” and “Conventry Carol.”

Sara Loveless attended the event with several generations of her family, including her mother, Connie Loveless, administrative assistant in Student Records. “We have been part of this ceremony for three years now,” Sara Loveless said. “So, it sort of marks the beginning of the holiday season.” She said that the events such as taking pictures with Santa and decorating cookies at the reception are a highlight for her children every year.