Annual senior tree lighting ceremony

Gillian Bui and Julia Kremenetsky

December 8, 2023

On Monday, Dec. 4, from 6-8 p.m., senior Wildcats excitedly gathered around the West Ranch upper quad for the annual tree lighting ceremony. The sentimental tradition celebrates the start of the holiday season. Students enjoyed warm food, cozy music and the chance to personalize and display an ornament on the tree.

To host the event, ASB had several weeks of preparation beforehand. Senior class treasurer Amelie Mendoza explained the work that went into arranging the materials, setting the date and catering the food. “First, we had to preorder the tree, ornaments and food. Then, we had to plan a date that did not interfere with games and practices. We bought Chick-fil-A for 100 people: 100 sandwiches and five trays of mac and cheese.”

Mr. Cotti, the ASB Technician, described the process of acquiring and arranging the tree: “I had to go cut down the tree, get the Christmas tree stand, transport it here and then figure out lights–your typical ASB planning day.”

The evergreen, which stands at about 6 feet tall, was generously wrapped in cheery light strings. ASB provided blank wooden ornaments and colorful Sharpies for students to adorn the tree with. By the end of the night, the tree was filled with hand-drawn ornaments and unique messages to represent each student and the collective senior class.

From a greater perspective, the tradition brings a sense of reflection and commemoration to the soon-to-be graduating seniors. Senior ASB member Jibreen Saville expressed, “I think the tradition represents unity. All of us putting our ornaments up together and then coming to school the next day and seeing it all there essentially represents us being one with [the] tree.”

To senior class president Adrian Morales, the tradition “signifies all the past years. We add our own flair to it. Everyone gets to add a piece of themselves to the tree and to the school. Seniors get to leave their mark before they leave.” He concluded, “It represents the entire senior class.”

Beyond its festive charm, the ceremony serves as a symbol of the senior class’s collective journey, leaving a lasting impression and embodying the impact of each graduating student. The tree will continue standing in the center of the quad until the end of the semester.

About the Contributors

Gillian Bui, Lead Design Editor and Lead Copy Editor

This is Gillian Bui's fourth and final year in The Paw Print as the Lead Design Editor and Copy Editor. Her favorite stories to write are those featuring local business owners in and around the Santa Clarita Valley. She loves David Lynch, Fiona Apple, and Radiohead. Her favorite hobby is going to Costco and trying all the free samples in each aisle. In addition to participating in The Paw Print, she is captain of Speech and Debate and founder of Film Club. She treasures the ability of journalism to empower an individual or community's voice. She looks forward to a great senior year at West Ranch.

Julia Kremenetsky, Features Editor

It's finally Julia's senior year! After a fabulous 3 years in The Paw Print, she is excited to continue as a features section editor in her last year. She is a word-loving, passionate writer, and a dual-member in The Pride, Yearbook as the Head of Writing and People Section Editor. Her goals this year are to successfully finish her college apps and write an opinions story! When not writing, Julia loves listening to fun-loving music, pole-vaulting, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family and friends. Although it's been fun for the past four years, she can't wait to leave West Ranch High School and move on to the next chapter of her life. Julia hopes to major in political science or English next year in college!