Michelle Cardenas
With the holidays just around the corner, Sam Houston State University is already in the festive spirit! This year, the university hosted the 103rd Annual Tree of Light Ceremony, making it one of the longest-standing traditions on campus—and a personal favorite of mine. As always, the ceremony was filled with joy, community, and a little holiday magic.
This tradition holds a special place in my heart. Every year, we create an ornament to contribute to the campus tree, and this year was no different. The LEAP Ambassadors crafted one, as did the Pre-Law Society. On our way to check in our ornaments, we were greeted by the merry sounds of festive tunes echoing through Frank Parker Plaza.
In respect for the tradition, some of the SHSU students on the Plaza even opted for jeans rather than pajama bottoms! It was a Christmas miracle!
Beyond that positive outcome, the plaza offered a wide range of activities, featuring everything from a snow globe for photos to a hot chocolate station (complete with sweet treats!) and informational tables highlighting other holiday traditions.
After checking in our ornaments, we staked out the perfect spot in front of the enormous, beautifully decorated tree for some pre-ceremony selfies.
The tree itself was a sight to behold—towering and glittering with ornaments and lights.
The ceremony began with the SHSU Chorale, whose opening tunes set the tone for a warm and welcoming evening.
Our 2024 Homecoming King and Queen, Andre Hagans and Kaci Rowe, served as emcees for the night. They guided us through the program…
…which, it goes without saying, involved annual traditions of mispronouncing names and encouraging attendees to keep their electric candles lit until the tree lighting..
…until the tree itself was illuminated.
We enjoyed an energetic performance by Orange Pride, our SHSU dance team, who wowed the crowd with a routine set to classic Christmas songs.
Following that, SHSU Provost Dr. Michael Stephenson took the stage alongside his family to share some heartfelt holiday remarks before leading us in the countdown to the tree lighting.
Even after witnessing this moment year after year, seeing the tree light up never loses its magic. The glow of the tree lit up not only the plaza but also the faces of everyone gathered.
The evening also reminded us of the importance of giving back. Jared Scott, the Student Government Association president, announced the results of SHSU’s annual canned food drive.
This year, SHSU students donated more than 3,000 canned goods to support the Good Shepherd Mission, which provides meals to those in need. Monte Robinson, director of the mission, shared a heartfelt thank-you, emphasizing the impact of the students’ generosity.
Finally, it was time for the moment we’d been waiting for—the hanging of the ornaments. Each student organization that had checked in an ornament was called forward to place their ornament on the tree. Both the LEAP Ambassadors and Pre-Law Society members proudly added their ornaments, and we took plenty of photos to commemorate the moment.
And with the 103rd Tree of Light Ceremony in the books, and the holidays a little closer, the crowd dispersed, a little more cheerful, much more thankful, and more fully integrated into the campus traditions.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 