EXPERIENCE OUR TREE LIGHTING TRADITION
A Tree, A Tradition, A Community: The Heart of Pisgah’s Holiday Spirit
By Maddie Cuppia, Class of 2026
Each December, both the senior and eighth-grade classes come together and hang their
ornaments as a grade, reminiscing about the memories they’ve made throughout their time at Mount Pisgah. Between laughing at old stories and talking about the years ahead, students share an experience that builds community and marks a meaningful chapter in their journey at school.
Ornament ceremonies are a long-standing tradition at Mount Pisgah, celebrating the end of a chapter and fostering genuine community. As eighth-graders, students hang their personal ornaments to celebrate the end of their middle school years in the best way for the holiday season. Four years later, the seniors unite over breakfast to do the same thing with an added depth of gratitude for moments like these that shaped their time at Pisgah. This rhythm of pausing, reflecting and celebrating together mirrors Pisgah’s commitment to nurturing not only community but Christ-centered growth.
Class and Community Unity
Dean of Student Engagement Ali Weller plays a significant role in planning the ornament ceremony, and she reflects on how perfectly it showcases the Pisgah community.
“I think this event greatly unites the classes together and fosters the growth of faith. For
seniors, it is the last Christmas that these students will spend together. For some of them, that is 4 years, but for students who have been here since elementary school, they have been celebrating together for much longer,” said Weller.
At the event, students in both grades enjoy a breakfast made by parents and get the
chance to strengthen their bond as a class. Even as a simple tradition, coming together to hang each individual's ornament on the same tree celebrates the unity and faith that Pisgah nurtures, physically demonstrating how the student body celebrates the time they’ve shared.
Celebrating a Shared Moment
Senior Ellie Richards got the chance to participate in both the eighth-grade and senio ornament ceremonies, and she’s so grateful to be able to do so.
“It feels so special to have done the ceremony in eighth grade and finally get to do it as a senior! The traditions at Pisgah make me so proud to be a part of this community that is so focused on building friendships that will last a lifetime,” expressed Richards.
For many students and faculty, this shared moment is also a reminder of God’s
faithfulness throughout everyone’s personal journey.
Teacher Carly Morris had the unique opportunity to participate in both the eighth-grade
and senior ornament ceremonies for the Class of 2026, which she certainly doesn’t take for granted.
“I get so emotional thinking about how quickly time passes, and also how much my girls
have grown over the years. I am so proud of them and felt that as they put their ornaments on the tree. I’m also so grateful for the time I've gotten to spend with my group. I firmly believe that the Lord weaves our paths together with intention, and I am fortunate to have had mine intertwine with theirs,” explained Morris.
All in all, this meaningful tradition is the perfect way for students to reflect on their time at Pisgah, celebrate friendships and honor the light of Christ that guides the community. Moments like this bring everyone together and serve as a reminder that faith, connection and shared traditions are at the heart of the Pisgah experience, creating memories that students will carry for a lifetime.
Enjoy more photos from our Senior's Event in the gallery below.
