By: Richard Kim, Contributing Writer
Photo By: Jason Harbison, Photographer

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, South Alabama students and faculty came together for the second annual Lighting of the Trees. 

There were concerns that the festivities would have to be moved inside due to the chance of rain, as happened last year. Fortunately, the rain held off and the South Alabama community was able to gather around the trees as intended.

Attendees were entertained with performances from USA Opera Theater, USA Wind Ensemble, and the Jaguar Marching Band. Christmas classics such as “Joy to the World” and “Winter Wonderland” were played.

President Jo Bonner spoke at the gathering. In honor of his birthday, which happened to coincide with the day of the tree lighting, “Happy Birthday” was also performed. Bonner remarked that it was “the most beautiful rendition of the song [he] had ever heard.”

The president was joined by Provost and Executive Vice President Andi Kent, Alumni President Ronnie Stallworth, and SGA President Hank Rader.

When asked by Bonner what he had to say to his fellow students, Rader said, “Let’s get through finals so we can get to Christmas,” to much laughter.

For many South Alabama students, the Lighting of the Trees marked the unofficial beginning of the holiday season as they prepared for final exams.