TSC kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree-lighting ceremony 

Texas Southmost College festively welcomed the Holiday season, hosting its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this past week.

The community-focused event saw TSC faculty, staff, students, and holiday revelers from all walks of life congregate outside the Oliveira Student Center building, all eyes watching the wonderfully adorned tree in anticipation of its lights coming to life. While the tree was undoubtedly the main attraction, the event’s central themes were togetherness and the importance of strong community bonds.

Onstage, Mr. Villareal, along with Board of Trustees Chair Adela Garza, Vice-Chair J.J. De Leon Jr., Secretary Alejandra Aldrete, Trustee Ruben Herrera, Trustee Eva Alejandro, and Trustee Delia Saenz, welcomed the audience, encouraging everyone to participate in a countdown before lighting up the tree, emphasizing the vibrant TSC blue and orange ornaments adorning it.

“Tonight is all about community,” said Texas Southmost College Vice President of Information Technology Luis Villareal. “Texas Southmost College is your community college; we are dedicated to serving our communities.”

In addition to the lighting of the tree, a selection of local talent was on hand to entertain the crowd with various performances.

TSC’s Little Scorpions from the Raul J. Guerra Early Child Center, dressed in festive holiday costumes, delighted the crowd with a holiday dance number; the A.X. Benavides Elementary Choirs sang a stirring collection of traditional holiday songs, and cheerleaders from Romero Elementary, Saint Mary’s and Jubilee Livingway raised the energy with spirited dance sequences.

TSC’s Mariachi Escorpion, Porter High School Conjunto, and Los Fresnos High School Conjunto Halcon closed the evening with musical performances, fusing Latin music with holiday spirit.
Before their performance, Mariachi Escorpion was presented with a $20,000 check from H-E-B to fund the purchase of uniforms for the newly established TSC group.

“We are incredibly thankful for this generous donation,” said Texas Southmost College Mariachi Escorpion Director Avigai Gonzalez. “The rhythm and melody of music has the power to guide the soul and inspire dreams, and we want to continue to inspire the community through our music.”

After the performances, the crowd enjoyed food and refreshments, and some took pictures with Santa. It is what happens when a community comes together to celebrate.

To Texas Southmost College student Abraham Avila, community events such as the annual tree lighting ceremony are crucial to what makes TSC unique.

“It’s nice seeing everyone come together like this, especially during the Holiday season,” said Avila. “It makes everything feel more communal, representing a big part of TSC’s identity.”