Seton Hall will be welcoming new tradition with the third annual tree lighting as two students were selected to light the tree on Thursday, at 5:45 p.m. on the Green.
Senior Veronica Grupico and freshman Charlene Oselador were chosen by the Office of the President to participate in the ceremony this year.
Surprised and excited, they are both looking forward to representing each of their classes.
Grupico said she felt thankful to be given the opportunity. In her four years here, this will be the first tree lighting that she will attend.
"To be chosen as a representation of the class of 2013 is very flattering," Grupico said.
Oselador is also very excited. This was also a total surprise for her.
"I was very surprised when I heard that I had been chosen, but it was certainly a pleasant surprise," she said.
"I have no idea why I was chosen, but I hope that it means that I have been doing well so far this semester."
Since this is Grupico's last year at Seton Hall, she is very thankful.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity and send a huge thank you to those who have vouched for me," she said.
Similarly, Oselador was grateful.
"Being that this is my first year (attending Seton Hall), I didn't even know that there was going to be a tree lighting," she said. "The Christmas season is my favorite time of year, so I am honored to represent the freshmen class in this way."
Although there is not a set criteria for being chosen to participate in the tree lighting, both Grupico and Oselador have shown their leadership on campus.
Grupico is a resident assistant and a member of the Senior Class Council and Oselador was the first place winner in the Freshman Studies' "This I Believe" essay contest.
This Christmas season, they will represent what the University believes to be a role model.
Both students have been active and done outstanding work on campus that has attracted the attention of the administration.
Patrick Maroun can be reached at patrick.maroun@student.shu.edu.
