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Collegedale, Tennessee
December 10, 2025
Students and community gather for annual Christmas Tree Lighting
The Christmas Tree lights the start of the holidays for Southern Adventist University. (Photo by Sam Tooley).
Maddie Schmidt Contributor Children chattered and dogs barked as Southern students and Collegedale community members gathered around the 35-foot Christmas tree in the center of campus, anticipating the countdown for the tree to come alive. People began gathering around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, on the front lawn of Wright Hall, awaiting the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The Collegedale Academy High School Band performed seasonal favorites in the chilly night air. Many attendees brought their families and pets to enjoy the festivities. In an interview with the Accent, Ellie
Baltodano, mother of senior business and public relations major Elyse Baltodano, said she enjoyed kicking off the holiday season at this event. “I’m ready for Christmas and to bring on the holiday spirit,” Baltodano said, “and what better way to do that than at Southern where they tie in spirituality as well?” Around 6:30 p.m., Joseph Khabbaz, chaplain and vice president for spiritual life, began the event with a welcoming speech, followed by Senior Vice President Robert Young, who presented an award of recognition to the Samaritan Center for its impact on the community. Wayne Brown, director of partner engagement, and Franklin Farrow, chair of the center’s Board of Directors, received
the award on behalf of the organization. Ron Halverson, pastor of the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists located on Southern’s campus, then read the Christmas story from Luke, recounting the events of Jesus’ birth. Following Halverson, Student Association President John Hargy led the countdown to the lighting of the tree. After the countdown, the tree sparkled and performances from six music groups followed on the promenade, where refreshments including hot chocolate, cider and donuts were provided. Performing Christmas music throughout the evening were members of Collegedale Academy’s orchestra and choir, Southern’s Steel Band, Ringtones and Jazz Ensemble, as well as Deep 6, a
community band. Deep 6 consists of six Southern alumni, according to Brian Dickinson, a member of the band. It was not the first time the group had performed at the tree lighting; Dickinson referred to those in the group as “seasoned veterans.” Ron Johnson, a retired Southern math professor and another band member, arranges pieces for Deep 6. Dickinson explained that the ensemble includes two French horns, two trombones, a euphonium and a tuba, which he said creates a unique and mellow sound. Many enjoyed the music. Allyson Stirewalt, nursing and pre-licensure major, as well as a singer with the Steel Band, said the music was her favorite part of the night. See Tree Lighting on page 3
“It is a gift from God that I have good friends and that we are able to enjoy a little bit of ‘de-stressing’ in our lives.” -Jaziel Soto