WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.000 music 00:00:11.000 --> 00:00:16.000 Welcome to Western Oregon University's 54th annual Holiday Tree Lighting. 00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:20.000 applause 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:25.000 It feels so go to be in person and to see the tree in real life again, doesn't it? 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:28.000 I got to do it last year and I was one of about five people 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:32.000 who got to be here with the tree in real life and it was very different. 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:35.000 So I'm glad to see everybody here tonight. 00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:38.000 I want to thank each of you for joining us this evening for the festivities. 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:41.000 My name is Megan Habermann-Guthrie and I'm the director 00:00:41.000 --> 00:00:44.000 of new student and family programs here at Western. 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:47.000 Hello, my name is Logan Jackson. I'm the student body president 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:50.000 and I'm so excited to see you all here in person this year. 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:54.000 So the parade has just kicked off from Monmouth Public Library. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:56.000 so now is a great time to head over to the alumni tent, 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:59.000 you might see the sparkling lights over by the cottage, 00:00:59.000 --> 00:00:63.000 and you can get a warm beverage and claim you favorite parade viewing spot. 00:01:03.000 --> 00:01:07.000 Or claim it right now so that the people who are getting their warm beverages 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:11.000 can't take it from you. And they should all be here within the next 10 or 15 minutes 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:18.000 and we'll be having light music and telling really good jokes between now and then. 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:21.000 You're welcome for those of you for me. 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:25.000 And after the parade President Jay Kenton will share a few words of welcome. 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:28.000 as well as the mayors and the student activities board 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:30.000 will announce the winners of the coloring & essay contest. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:34.000 As we've done in years past, the essay winner will get to light the tree 00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:40.000 with our high-tech, state-of-the-art lever system. 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:45.000 Ohh, ahh, yes. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:48.000 Big thanks to everyone who has made tonight possible, 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:51.000 especially Facilities Services and Student Activities Board. 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:54.000 Megan, what are you looking forward to most this year? 00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:61.000 Oh, I'm really looking forward to pictures with my best friend, Santa. 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:05.000 Yes, anybody else getting Santa pictures tonight? 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:08.000 All 10 of you, I love it. 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:12.000 So as you'll hear again, so you don't have to write this down but 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:16.000 Santa pictures have moved and they're gonna be outside this year 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:20.000 since it's such a beautiful, clear night. And they'll be over there on the plaza. 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:23.000 And the Student Engagement office, who works with SAB to put this on 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:26.000 made a beautiful display for photos, so let's give it up for them. 00:02:26.000 --> 00:02:33.000 applause 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:36.000 Excellent. So Logan and I were chatting before 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:40.000 and she brought up that a lot of people haven't 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:43.000 got to see the tree lighting before since it was you might have been busy. 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:47.000 You might have had finals. Yes. You might have been sick. You might have been sick. 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:52.000 And then, of course, last year we had it online 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:52.000 which was awesome but was not the same. 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:55.000 So for those of you who it's your first time seeing our Giant Sequoia, 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:60.000 you might want to know how tall it is. Does anybody want to guess? 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:04.000 A 100,000 feet I heard. 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:07.000 Thirty foot shorter than it used to be. That is a fact. 00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:12.000 Because in 1962 a big bolt of lightning came and knocked off the top. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:16.000 Oh wow. That's right. That big Columbus Day storm and we have gorgeous 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:19.000 photos of that in the Hamersly Library archives. 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:23.000 Yes, it's a 123.5 feet tall. Oh wow. 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:29.000 Yeah, sometimes you'll hear tour guides arguing if it's 123 or 124. 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:32.000 And they're both basically right. 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:35.000 My daughter Benny is in the audience tonight. 00:03:35.000 --> 00:03:38.000 And her preschool class got to see them put on the lights 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:40.000 and they asked her if she wanted to go in the bucket. 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:42.000 All the kids said yes and Benny said no. 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:48.000 I'd rather stay home. So girl after my own heart. 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:50.000 Ha, ha, ha, awesome. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:55.000 What are you looking forward to most this year? 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:59.000 Honestly, I'm just excited to be around people again. Yeah. 00:03:59.000 --> 00:03:65.000 I think it's been a very chaotic year and it's nice to have some social interaction again. 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:07.000 Yeah. No. I think it's going to be really fun. 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:10.000 It's going to be a good year. I'm excited for all the different things 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:12.000 that are going to be happening this whole month. 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:17.000 Both on campus, I think there's been like two choir concerts already. Yeah. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:20.000 There's a dance recital tonight I think, so that's exciting. 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:24.000 Yes, it's wonderful to be able to do all this in person again. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:28.000 Alright. Should we tell a bad joke now? 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:30.000 You've been waiting. This is the only reason you came. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:33.000 Alright. So Logan - yeah what's up? 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:38.000 How many elves does it take to change a light bulb? 00:04:38.000 --> 00:04:41.000 Oh gosh, I don't know, I'm to throw out a number. I'm just going to say 4. 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:45.000 You're going to say 4. It's a math problem quiz right up here on the podium. 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:50.000 It takes 10, one to change the light bulb and nine to stand on each other's shoulders. 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:53.000 They're so little. Oh my gosh, yes. They're babies. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:56.000 Tiny elves. We love a good Pb joke. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:60.000 Let's do one more while we try to brainstorm some fun facts for you. 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:04.000 What kind of bread do elves make their sandwiches with? 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:06.000 What kind, oh wait, is it gingerbread? 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:09.000 Oh that's a good one, close, short bread. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:13.000 Oh god. Short bread with that peppermint spread. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:16.000 You're killing me. These are great! 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:23.000 Wrote them all myself. That is not true. Thank you Google. 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:26.000 So the parade started at Monmouth Public Library tonight. Ok. 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:31.000 And the public library is just such a great resource and they've been having lots 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:34.000 of good take and make activities for kids since they can't have their in house 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:37.000 programming for kids during Covid. So that's been really wonderful. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:43.000 So if you're looking for any quick, easy craft ideas that's a pro tip. That a place to go. 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:47.000 They did have, they've already had some holiday stuff over there. 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:52.000 We did a big Thanksgiving craft from them. It was cool. Awesome. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:55.000 I think they're coming around the bend. We'll see. 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:58.000 Should we tell some more great jokes while we wait? Yes, I'd love to. Awesome. 00:05:58.000 --> 00:05:62.000 How, what, no I'm going to go with this one... 00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:08.000 what did the elf say was the first step in using a computer? 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:11.000 I'm not sure, you're going to have to tell me. 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:16.000 First, yule log on. Get it? That was good. Yule log? 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:25.000 Get it? No computer science majors in the house tonight? It's ok. It's ok. 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:29.000 Alright, leading our parade off as they have in years past, 00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:33.000 we have WOU Campus Public Safety and Detective Hamilton 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:35.000 and his daughter from the Monmouth Police Department. 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:39.000 Making sure that all of our parade floats and walkers are safe. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:48.000 Thank you so much! 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:52.000 That's fun that he got to bring his daughter. Yes, I love that. 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:70.000 Here we go. Oh my goodness. Look at that. 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:15.000 Coming up next we have the Polk County Fire department. 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:20.000 Loving the lights guys, loving the lights. It looks like a vintage fire truck, right? 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:24.000 I love it. I love it. I love the energy. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:34.000 Love to see it. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:39.000 In addition to their vintage fire truck, they've got 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:49.000 some of their more updated fire trucks as well. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:52.000 Awesome. Coming up, here's my people, 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:54.000 the Associated Students of Western Oregon University. 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:60.000 Theme: welcoming wolves. You look amazing guys. 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:19.000 I can hear Devon from here. 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:24.000 Up next, we have Girl Scout Troop 10106. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:28.000 And their theme is brightening our community. 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:31.000 How cute is that? It's adorable. 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:35.000 It looks like they've got a snowman and lots of good waving Girl Scouts. 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:37.000 Hi there, thank you for your service. 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:43.000 Oh, coming in quick Representative Paul Evans and State Senator Deb Patterson. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:48.000 Theme: seasons greetings and holiday happy. Oh happy holidays, my bad. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:62.000 Hi Paul & Deb. 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:09.000 Hey Logan, hey Megan. Why did the elves ask the turkey to join the band? 00:09:09.000 --> 00:09:12.000 Oh, I want to say something about like a drumstick. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:16.000 Oh, because he has a drumstick. Ok. Oh. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:28.000 Logan's going to be telling the jokes next year. 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:32.000 Alright, up next we have the WOU Swing Dance club. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:38.000 And they are celebrating holidays in the 1920s. Yes. 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:48.000 That doesn't seem like a hundred years ago but it was...Swing Dance club. 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:51.000 For those of you who aren't WOU student yet, 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:56.000 it's really easy to start your own club here. Yes, actually very easy, too. Yeah. 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:60.000 You just need a few friends, an idea, and find one of our great faculty or staff members 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:03.000 to help you out and that's pretty much it. Yep. 00:10:03.000 --> 00:10:06.000 Fill out a few pieces of paperwork and you've got a club. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:09.000 Make a club out of anything, literally anything. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:18.000 You don't have to know how to dance to make a club. Exactly. 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:20.000 Up next, we have our WOU Wolfstore. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:24.000 And the theme is Wolfstore holiday spirit with Wolfie. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:29.000 What, Wolfie! 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:36.000 I believe Wolfie is going to hang out after the parade. And so, 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:40.000 if you want photos with Wolfie & Santa, I believe that's going to be an option tonight. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:44.000 And the bookstore will be open until 7pm tonight 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:47.000 with 25% off certain merchandise. I love a good deal. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:54.000 Love a good deal, just in time for the holidays. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:57.000 Coming in hot with the literature reference, the Residence Hall Association 00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:61.000 is the White Witch from the Chronicles of Narnia. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:04.000 That is a deep cut and I appreciate it. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:08.000 Someone's been working on their homework. 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:10.000 And up next, we have MaMere's Guest House. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:13.000 Theme: quality, handing out a holiday treat. 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:16.000 Oh, I think there's treats on this one. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:22.000 Gotta know about treats. Gotta know when the ones have treats. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:25.000 Oh and look at that little toy car. That's adorable. 00:11:25.000 --> 00:11:29.000 That's is adorable and luckily it was fun time enough to make it all the way to campus 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:34.000 cuz we've got Christmas in Toyland with this classic 1970 Bronco. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:44.000 Yeah. That's adorable. 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:52.000 That's even older than me. I didn't know you had to wind cars up back in the 70s. 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:55.000 What's been your favorite float so far? 00:11:55.000 --> 00:11:59.000 Honestly, the Bronco was pretty cool. I wasn't expecting that. 00:11:59.000 --> 00:11:61.000 I wasn't expecting the Bronco either. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:05.000 Yeah. I really like the Bronco and I really liked the fire truck. 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:10.000 Yeah. No, the firetruck, too. The fire truck was legit. 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:15.000 Coming in next, we have WOU Unidos club. 00:12:15.000 --> 00:12:20.000 They're theme is M'xico En Tu Piell! 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:26.000 And they are handing out posada and having a balie folklorico. 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:28.000 That is beautiful. 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:32.000 Love the dresses. I love folkloric. It's such a beautiful dance. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:39.000 The dresses are so magnificent. We've had a few on campus before and it's just great. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:42.000 No wonder there was a lag cuz everyone wanted to enjoy this beautiful performance. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:51.000 Right, I get it. I get it now. 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:55.000 Alright. Up next, there's the Multicultural Student Union 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:69.000 with their holiday themed truck. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:13.000 And now we have Mecha, our WOU Mecha chapter. 00:13:13.000 --> 00:13:20.000 And the loteria Mecha members are walking about with loteria cards. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:24.000 I apologize if there's a mispronuncation, I took French in high school. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:33.000 We regret that. 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:41.000 truck horn 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:45.000 Coming up next, we have city of Monmouth Public Works department. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:49.000 Theme: making Monmouth a better place to live. 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:56.000 truck horn 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:59.000 Oh Santa on a motorcycle. 00:13:59.000 --> 00:13:64.000 I don't know if that's the real Santa. I don't know. 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:09.000 We'll see. I heard he's coming up later. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:13.000 Leave it to the electric company to have the brightest truck. Right? 00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:20.000 truck horn 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:29.000 I think this is also public works. They're doing it up this year. 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:38.000 truck horn 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:43.000 Wow, public works missed the parade last year and I'm here for it. 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:64.000 Loving it. Thank you public works. 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:07.000 Up next, we have some future doctors in the house, 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:13.000 WOU Pre-Med club. Theme: North Pole medical group. 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:21.000 Wonder if that's a PPO, or? Right, Yeah. 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:24.000 Imagine they have to see a lot of frostbite up there. 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:28.000 Thank you for your service. We need the elves to be working hard. Thank you. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:32.000 They need that medical care. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:47.000 And coming up I see the WOU Freedom Center and thier freedom express. 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:52.000 Whoo, hoo. The Freedom Center is a student run multicultural center to help 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:56.000 support all of our students who are students of color and students with different identifies, 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:66.000 so that they can feel safe and welcome here on campus. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:09.000 Up next, we have our WOU Model United Nations. 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:11.000 And Model UN members will be handing out flyers. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:16.000 So keep an eye out for that. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:19.000 So you can learn more about them. It's a really cool organiation 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:24.000 where they get to like....model, I guess that's the right word, 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:28.000 emmulate the United Nations and learn so much about different countries 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:52.000 around the world. It's a really great way to learn. 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:56.000 Next, we have the American Sign Language club here from WOU. 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:60.000 And their theme is holiday food. 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:08.000 And their handing out gingerbread and holiday candy. 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:13.000 Lot of our ASL majors and ASL club members are future interpreters. 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:19.000 Thank you for your service. And thank you to the interpreters tonight. 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:26.000 Okay. Who do you think that is? Oh my gosh, I think Santa Claus is coming to town. 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:33.000 It's Santa and Polk County Fire. 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:36.000 Look alive people. Make sure you say hi to Santa. 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:42.000 You want him to see you. You want to be on the good list this year. 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:56.000 I can't believe he made the trip all the way down here. I hope your flight was good. 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:61.000 That's him. That's the real deal. 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:15.000 Love you, Santa. 00:18:15.000 --> 00:18:18.000 Awesome. That was an amazing parade. 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:21.000 That was my first tine seeing it. I'm obsessed. 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:24.000 That is an excellent parade. I will be coming back next year. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:27.000 Everyone, if you want to gather around for the lighting program to begin. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:34.000 And we're going to be starting off with a warm welcome from WOU President Jay Kenton. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:37.000 So welcome everyone. 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:41.000 Thank you for coming tonight. 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:44.000 It's a little chilly out there, I know. 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:49.000 But at least it's not raining. 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:53.000 This is our 54th Christmas tree lighting. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:57.000 It's actually my first Christmas tree lighting. 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:61.000 And I'm so excited to be here with you tonight. 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:06.000 Thank you for joining us. We're glad you're here. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:10.000 We're honored to have the Mayor of Independence John McArdle and the 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:18.000 Mayor of Monmouth Cecelia Koontz join us for this evening's celebration. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:26.000 The mayors will now share a few words with all of us...Mayor McArdle. 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:29.000 Thank you and good evening. 00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:31.000 It's wonderful to be here tonight, 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:34.000 on a night where we light up a Christmas tree. 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:37.000 You know this last year has been difficult with Covid. 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:41.000 It's been hard on students. It's been hard on families, parents, business, everybody. 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:48.000 But, you know, tonight we're lighting a tree and light is about hope. 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:51.000 As you drive through both of our communities and see the lights of businesses, 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:56.000 the lights on the houses and tonight the light of the Christmas tree, 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:60.000 we think about hope. Things will be better in the future. 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:02.000 We'll be good to each other. 00:20:02.000 --> 00:20:08.000 And so keep the light of hope, the light of love and the light of friendship 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:18.000 to friends and family with you tonight. Happy holidays to everyone. 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:23.000 Thank you Mayor McArdle, thank you President Kenton and thank you to the 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:28.000 students and staff at Western Oregon University who have made it possible for us 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:32.000 to be here again tonight. I am Cec Koontz. I am the mayor of Monmouth, 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:35.000 and also on the board of trustees for the university. 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:39.000 And as Mayor McArdle said it's been a hard year for everyone. 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:45.000 But tonight, a little bit of normal, as we think about the friends 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:49.000 and family that we have lost and who have been impacted 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:53.000 by all of the things that have happened in the last 2 years. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:59.000 We can remember what it was like a couple of years ago as we gathered here 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:64.000 only I think it was really raining that night, Jay. So you're really lucky. 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:08.000 We are here tonight to light the tree, 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:12.000 to serve as that beacon for folks traveling down 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:17.000 Highway 99 will see it. Folks living here in town can look up at it. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:24.000 And we will all think about a chance for us to gather together, to be here, to celebrate, 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:27.000 and to think about how wonderful it will be 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:32.000 to be with family and friends throughout this time. 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:36.000 If you're missing someone, if you've lost someone, if you aren't 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:40.000 going to be with family, please think about the community here tonight 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:45.000 and how we share this evening and this season 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:56.000 as Mayor McArdle said of light and hope. Thank you. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:59.000 Thank you Mayor McArdle and Mayor Koontz. 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:63.000 And now the WOU Student Activities Board 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:09.000 will recognize the coloring and essay contest winners. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:14.000 Hi I'm Gheraldy Bobadilla-Cruz. I'm this year's assistant director of student activities. 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:18.000 Every year the Student Activities Board of Western Oregon University invites students 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:21.000 from Ash Creek Elementary, Monmouth Elementary and Independence Elementary 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:24.000 to participate in our coloring and essay contests. 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:27.000 We want to thank all the students that participated this year and this evening we'd 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:32.000 like to first recognize participants of the coloring contest. 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:36.000 Traditionally, the coloring contest pages are displayed in the Werner University Center. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:40.000 But due to our event transitioning outdoors this year, you can view the coloring contest 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:43.000 collection on our holiday tree lighting WOU webpage 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:48.000 and Student Activities Board Instagram page. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:50.000 We will now introduce the essay winners. 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:54.000 This year students were asked to describe a time when they made someone else happy. 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:59.000 These winners were the top three overall amongst 3rd-5th grade. 00:22:59.000 --> 00:22:61.000 I ask that you please step forward as your name is called. 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:12.000 Beginning with 3rd place, Cole Olsen from Ash Creek Elementary. 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:19.000 shouts & applause 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:28.000 In second place, we have Audrey Allen, also from Ash Creek Elementary. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:35.000 shouts & applause 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:40.000 Ok. Now I would like to announce the winner of the overall essay contest. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:43.000 They will have the honor of reading their essay up here on stage 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:47.000 and the privilege of being the one to light the tree with our plunger right here. 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:53.000 And the winner of this year's essay contest is Alex Gilbert of Ash Creek Elementary. 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:61.000 shouts & applause 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:04.000 A time when I made someone else happy was when I bought tarps 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:08.000 and hand warmers and then gave them to homeless people. 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:10.000 It was very sad but when I gave the people blue tarps and packs of 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:13.000 hand warmers they smiled and thanked me. 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:16.000 They deserve to be treated the same way we do. 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:18.000 So if you ever see a homeless person, make sure to treat them 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:21.000 the same way you would want to be treated. 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:23.000 When I gave these people tarps and hand warmers, 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:28.000 they were super grateful and I will now remember the smiles forever. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:32.000 Thank you. Thank you. Alright. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:40.000 Thank you Alex. And now the moment we've all been waiting for. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:43.000 As the winner of the essay contest, 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:48.000 Alex Gilbert will you please assist me 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:52.000 with the lighting of the holiday tree? 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:56.000 May I have the lights out please? 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:62.000 shouts & cheers 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:12.000 Let's begin the countdown with 10, 9, 8, 7, 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:32.000 Whoo, hoo...cheers & applause 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:38.000 Thank you Alex, congrats. Congrats Alex. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:43.000 Before we depart, I have a few announcements to share. 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:48.000 The rest of the outdoor program will commence including 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:52.000 Santa will be available for pictures on the plaza 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:55.000 in front of the Werner University Center, 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:60.000 with the line wrapping around the building down Church Street. 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:04.000 The WOU acapella club, The West of Us, 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:09.000 will be singing some carols to get you in the holiday mood. 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:15.000 Check out the walk through the art faculty biennial exhibition 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:20.000 in Canon Gallery located in Campbell Hall. 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:25.000 Check out the cookie booth hosted by the Resident Hall Association 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:28.000 and National Resident Hall honoree 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:32.000 to the left of the ITC, the building I'm standing in front of. 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:36.000 A special thank you to Alumni Relations 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:42.000 for the hot cocoa and cider that has kept us warm tonight. 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:47.000 Finally, we would like to thank you all for attending the 54th 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:52.000 Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at Western Oregon University. 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:55.000 Good night and happy holidays to all! 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:60.000 cheers & applause 00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:15.000 music