This past Wednesday, Athens Academy hosted its annual Holiday Celebration, a tradition that has been held since 1985. The event involves seniors and their first-grade buddies decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments they made earlier in the fall. The celebration highlights the diverse nature of our school, the core pillar of service, especially during the holiday season. It holds immense sentimental value for students involved in the program, but also serves as a rare opportunity for all Spartans to gather under one roof and celebrate a unique tradition.
The program began with opening remarks from high school principal Susan Zalac and a presentation from the Bridges club highlighting other holidays celebrated around the world during this time, including Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Yule, and Eid.
Seniors and their first-grade buddies then each placed their handmade ornaments on the tree one by one, a wholesome experience. As buddies reach the tree, they light the menorah, acknowledging Hanukkah and other holidays celebrated.
Once the tree had been filled with creative, colorful, and glittering ornaments, the procession ended, and student body president, Charlie Walton, gave a speech highlighting that events like this and Athens Academy’s commitment to service are what make the school a special place.
While most traditions remained consistent from last year, this year, the Senior class recognized Headmaster, Mr. Thorsen, in his final holiday celebration before he leaves the school. Seniors Penn Davis and Henry Stokes surprised Mr. Thorsen with an ornament for him to place on the tree; a big thank you to 12 years of hard work and service to the school’s community.
There was another wholesome little addition that was added to this year’s procession. This year, there was a stool placed for the first graders to stand on, which, according to upper school Orchestra teacher Sarah Parido, made pictures much better.
“I do think that the way we took pictures this year was a step up,” said Parido. “It was great, and I felt like we could see the kids better because the seniors just looked very tall previously.”
Other students reflected upon the event and what it means to them. Junior Jane Dorsey spoke on participating as a senior next year.
“I am excited for the full-circle moment since I was here in 1st grade and had buddies, so I remember how fun it was,” said Dorsey.
Athens Academy has a few special traditions, but this one is held near and dear to many.
