Lights of Love ceremony celebrates its 26th year

The TZ Enrichment Choir entertained crowds of people during the 26th Lights of Love ceremony at City Hall Tuesday evening.

GREENCASTLE -- The Greencastle Civic League kicked off the holiday season Tuesday evening at Greencastle City Hall with its 26th annual "Lights of Love" ceremony.

"We are excited to, once again, begin celebrating the holiday season with this time-honored community tradition," said Lights of Love chairperson Cathryn Ensley.

Students in grades kindergarten to second competed in a "Decorate the Light" contest. Students in third through fifth grades and sixth through eighth grades took part in an essay contest, writing about "What are you the most thankful for?"

Winners in the coloring contest were Kaleb Troxal, first place; Jaylee Hayes, second place; and Trevor Cox, honorable mention.

Grades three through five essay winners were Jacob Meyer, first place; Clay Gardner, second place; and Corinne Buchanan, honorable mention.

Kinn Reagan took first place in the grade sixth through eight category with his essay thanking his mother for everything she does for him. Reagan requires special care, having been born four months early.

"I was born with cerebral palsy and my mom takes care of me," he told the roomful of people gathered for event.

Second place winner was Brayden Watson, and Karina Serapio took honorable mention.

Past winners of the essay award are Mark Davis and Quinn Fenlon in 2000, Zach Grammel in 2001, Courteney Pienta in 2002, Bo Walker in 2003, Nathan Eubank in 2004, Lauren Kenney and Hillary Johnson in 2005, Melanie Bittles and Cade Bailey in 2006, Taylor Runnells and Gracie Smith in 2007 and Rebecca Moore and Anthony Rossok in 2008.

The TZ After School Enrichment Choir performed holiday music during the ceremony that concluded with contest winners lighting the ceremonial tree.

The Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce presented Gail Smith of Almost Home with the Spirit of Christmas Award. This is Smith's fourth year to win the coveted honor.

Anyone who didn't get enough Christmas spirit at Civic League event only had to drive over to the DePauw campus to view the Bonner Scholars' 5,000 Lights Luminaries display on the school's campus.

Special thanks go to Alex Alleys, Ashley Square Cinema, Bright Futures, Jim Ensley, Attorney, First Financial Bank, First National Bank of Cloverdale, Mark Nogelmeier of National City Bank and Mayor Sue Murray and the staff at city hall.