Parkersburg High School hosts annual lighting ceremony
Members of the Parkersburg High School A Cappella Choir sang “Silent Night” as the lighted Christmas tree was turned out during the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the school. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
From left, Maia Noland and Isabel Bhati, members of Parkersburg High School’s Diversity Student Union, took turns reading “The Night Before Christmas” during the Tree Lighting Ceremony Tuesday evening. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Santa Claus, played by Joe Stephens, handed out candy canes to a local child during the Tree Lighting Ceremony. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Members of the Parkersburg High School A Cappella Choir sang “Silent Night” as the lighted Christmas tree was turned out during the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the school. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
From left, Maia Noland and Isabel Bhati, members of Parkersburg High School’s Diversity Student Union, took turns reading “The Night Before Christmas” during the Tree Lighting Ceremony Tuesday evening. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Santa Claus, played by Joe Stephens, handed out candy canes to a local child during the Tree Lighting Ceremony. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
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PARKERSBURG -- A little flash of wind and drop of rain didn't stop Parkersburg High School students and staff from spreading holiday cheer Tuesday evening.
The school hosted its annual ceremony on the front doorstep. Student Council Advisor Michelle Swisher said she was pleased with the turnout, despite the rain.
"For this forecast, it was fantastic. We've had ceremonies before in this weather that were smaller," she said.
The first act was the concert band, under the direction of Dan White. They played "Jingle Bells."
Principal Kenny DeMoss welcomed the crowd and said: "I can't think of a better tradition than we have here."
The Red Wings drill team dressed up in Santa themed dresses and danced with a wreath to "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree." They are coached by Kim Griffey.
Members of the Freshmen and A Cappella Choir sang "O Come O Come Emmanuel". While they were singing, volunteers were passing out 150 mini candles to light during the next number, "Silent Night."
The choir invited audience members to sing with them and pass the candle light between them. Soon after, the lights in the shape of a tree turned on.
"A lot of people light trees. We put lights on our building," DeMoss said. "This is my eighth as principal, but I've also experienced them in 1991 as a student."
Next, two members of Diversity Student Union, Maia Noland and Isabel Bhati, took turns reading "The Night Before Christmas."
To finish out the evening, student body president Tyra Green introduced the crowd to Santa Claus. Santa gave out candy canes to attendees, young and old alike.
Swisher said putting on the Tree Lighting Ceremony is a group effort.
"I want to get as many people involved as possible to celebrate the holiday and all the people we have at PHS. It's a good community," she said.
Swisher pointed to members of the Key Club and Student Council handing out hot chocolate and cookies.
"They are here because they want to. They enjoy helping," she said.