Cougars come together to get festive, kick off Christmas season

KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Students decorate a Christmas tree in the Hazleton Area High School lobby on Nov. 24, 2025 during a tree trimming event.

HAZLETON – This week may be Thanksgiving, though the Hazleton Area High School community came together Monday morning to kick off the Christmas season.

The band, chorus, and Spirit Club helped greet the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, as he arrived in the lobby for the annual tree trimming event.

“Each year, this event brings our students, staff, and community together to celebrate the holiday season,” said Dr. Brian T. Uplinger. “It’s a joyful tradition that highlights the talents and spirit of our students while creating lasting memories for everyone involved.” 

Members of the Life Skills class also helped decorate two Christmas trees in the lobby and took photos with Santa.

“The kids, they make homemade ornaments, and they put it on the tree in the big event today,” Lori Nice, a math teacher, told the Sentinel. “It’s gotten bigger and bigger [each year].”

During the event, attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies, as well.

It followed a similar event across the street in the administration building recently.

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