Story and Photos by RORY MOORE Video by PARKER NISBETH
Tiger Media Network
Fort Hays State University’s annual Christmas tree lighting in front of Sheridan Hall on Thursday kicked off the holiday season on campus. The event also featured a Santa’s workshop, family crafts, pictures with Santa Claus, and carriage rides.
Student Engagement, the Beech-Schmidt Performing Arts Center, and the Office of the President collaborated on organizing the holiday tradition.
“The holidays are about people coming together, and I think this event highlights that here at Fort Hays,” Student Engagement Director Jaden Rahe said. “I would like to thank our amazing student engagement crew who has helped us put together this night.”
International student Damilola Atanda reflected on what a perfect Christmas holiday means with the crowd and taught them how it is celebrated in her native Nigeria.
“For us, Christmas is more than a holiday,” she said. “It’s a season that embodies joy, togetherness, giving, and love. For many families, it’s a time of homecoming where families unite, making it a season of reunion and deep family connections. It’s a moment when families indulge in the joyful tradition of preparing festive meals, often involving the cooking of our famous Jollof Rice, chicken, and other meals.”
A choir sings various Christmas songs before the Christmas tree is lit. 
Damilola Atanda shares how the holiday is celebrated in her native Nigeria and why The Fort Hays community brings her a sense of belonging. 
2024 Homecoming King and Queen Chad Zerr and Emma Day share their favorite Christmas memories. 
Fort Hays president Tisa Mason reminds the crowd to realize how Christmas ties into the university community before lighting the tree. 
Students join the choir in singing “Silent Night.” 
Students pose with Santa Claus inside the Beach-Schmidt Performance Hall. 
Christmas activities were offered to attendees of all ages including crafts and Santa’s workshop. 
A carriage was driven for families after the tree was lit. 
Students pose with the Fort Hays Christmas Tree was it stands illuminated in front of Sheridan Hall. 
Attendees could complete various holiday-themed crafts. 
Students pose by a newly planted tree which replaces the tree that blew down last year.
Atanda acknowledged how the United States has its own unique traditions of celebrating the holiday and how those traditions come to fruition on campus.
“Being here at Fort Hays, I see echoes of those traditions,” she said. “The glory of the trees and the joy of sharing the season with people from different backgrounds is a powerful reminder that while my customs may vary, the spirit of the season transcends beyond borders. Tonight, as we light this tree, it symbolizes our different traditions, stories, and experiences coming together to create something truly beautiful.”
She mentioned how the Christmas tree, planted on the lawn of Sheridan, carries a symbolic meaning to the holiday season.
“Every light on this tree reflects a story,” Atanda said. “A family tradition, a memory, and a hope for the future. Together, they shine brighter, reminding us of the strength in our unity as we enjoy this evening. Let us carry with us the joy of connecting across cultures, the warmth of community, and gratitude for the shared spaces that bring us together.”
Homecoming King and Queen Chad Zerr and Emma Day shared their favorite Christmas traditions and perspectives on what the holiday means.
“I grew up in WaKeeney, Kansas, 30 minutes west of here,” Day said. “Every year since I was a little girl, we’ve done a tree lighting in my hometown. A funny family tradition we always do is we bake Christmas cookies. You have the cutouts to make the shapes of the cookies, and one of them didn’t turn out quite right. It looked like a chicken. So, every year since, we have decorated Christmas chickens together as a family.”
Zerr also shared a comical holiday memory he had with his family.
“When I was about 10 or 11 [years old], we all opened up gifts,” he said. “There happened to be Nerf blasters along with lots of darts. For the next three hours, we proceeded to have the biggest Nerf war that I’ve ever imagined possible, and for the next three months, we were pulling darts out of everything: shoes, the Christmas tree, anything you could think of.”
Before lighting the tree, Fort Hays President Tisa Mason greeted the crowd and touted the university community.
“This occasion is not just about the brilliant lights or the festive spirit that flows through the air or the chill,” she said. “The holidays are a time for reflection, a moment to reflect on the challenges that we face, the accomplishments we celebrate, and the growth we have experienced. Each of you plays a vital role in our university’s story. So, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate those who have supported you along your journey.”
She asked the attendees to consider how the tree represents the support system Fort Hays has.
“Let us remember that the bright light symbolizes the warmth of our connections and our sense of belonging to Tiger Nation,” Mason said. “It reminds us of the friendships forged, the shared knowledge, and experiences that bind us as a community. This is a time to celebrate the achievements of this past year and the strength of Tiger Nation, the kindness, creativity, and the resilience that defines us.”