On December 2nd, Hastings College president Rich Lloyd, the Hastings College Student Association president Paige Willcoxon, and mascot Bosco the Bronco, flipped the switch for the annual “Lighting of Campus” event. There were cookies, hot chocolate, a raffle for students, a saxophone quartet, a choir sing-along, and of course, Rich Lloyd reading The Night Before Christmas on stage.

The event started in the French Memorial Chapel, where Willcoxon gave a warm welcome to the students and community members who attended. Then the festivities started. First came the saxophone quartet, where four of the Hastings College saxophone players played some Christmas music. Then, the raffle, where three students won fun gift baskets from the Student Association. After that, the Hastings College Choir led a sing-along with everyone in the crowd, singing Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Everyone sang their hearts out, and then the choir got on stage to sing Silent Night. The doors then opened, and everyone went outside for the lights. This year, Santa and Rich Lloyd sat nearby while Paige Willcoxon and Bosco flipped the switch. The crowd cheered, and while some went inside to get warm, many students and community members stayed outside to take pictures with Santa or Bosco.

Willcoxon said “I loved seeing the joy on the kids’ faces when Rich was reading to everyone, and I was happy that there were so many students on stage listening as well.” The annual event brings a smile to kids, students, and parents alike, along with Bosco, as this was his second time on stage while Rich read.

Sophomore Madison Rhodes had a great time as well, saying, “It was really cool seeing everyone and seeing the lighting of the campus with my team, and I just love it.” Rhodes went with her roommates and most of the Hastings College Women’s Soccer Team. Along with the choir, the Hastings College Dance and Cheer Team, the Hastings College Softball team, and the Hastings College tennis team attended.