On December 12, 2011, Padua Academy hosted the annual Tree Trimming assembly. All the students and staff gathered in the cafeteria to trim the tree with homemade ornaments, made by homeroom representatives, and to join in on the Christmas spirit. Student Council began the assembly by leading the school in a prayer, asking for patience to remember the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus’ birth. Student Council President, Jordan Bennett (‘12), Vice President, Marykate McGurk (‘12), and Treasurer, Jess Peel (‘12), called the homeroom representatives, class by class, to hang themed ornaments on the giant Christmas Tree.

The Freshman class was instructed to create candy-themed ornaments due to the fact that they are young and sweet, driven by sugar-induced energy to take charge and learn the ways of the school. While Freshmen were adorning the tree with ornaments, their fellow freshman sisters sang ‘Frosty the Snowman’ to encourage the Christmas spirit.

Sophomore students went next, hanging their elf-themed ornaments because they serve as “elves of the school”, radiating happiness wherever their day takes them. As the Sophomore reps hung the decorations, their sisters sang ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’.

Juniors followed suit hanging gingerbread women on the tree to symbolize how they have grown and matured into the young women they are today as they prepare for senior year and college soon after that. As the Juniors hung their ornaments, the rest of the class sang ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’.

The Seniors’ designated ornament was Santa Claus because they are the heart of the school, the ones who keep us all together and because they are ready to give their talents and gifts to the world as they enter college next year. While watching their classmates hang ornaments, the seniors sang ‘Jingle Bell Rock’.

To conclude the ceremony, staff members hung star-themed ornaments symbolizing how they guide the students along, just like the star led the Three Wise Men to Jesus when he was born. The Christmas tree in the cafeteria represents everyone at the school, while also spreading Christmas cheer in preparation for the holidays.