A centuries-old Christmas tradition was kept alive by Henryetta high school students held the annual "Hanging of the Green ceremony.
Representatives from 28 classes, organizations and activities placed green wreaths and candles along the auditorium stage to help usher in the Christmas season.
HHS seniors Ayla Delso and Mackenzie Roberts reminded students the local ceremony started in 1969 even though the ancient custom of placing greenery around the homes dates back to pre-Christian times. The event is usually timed at the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21 but, because of the school holiday, it is held earlier.
As part of the Henryetta ceremony, a poem written by Matthew Valle, a former HHS student, was read. Members of the school choir and band performed holiday music.
Students representing the various grades and student organizations who participated included:  
12th Grade: Ayla Delso, Mackenzie Roberts; 11th Grade: Holey Stuart, Brannon Murphy; 10th Grade: Jimmy Dunn, Tyger Freeman; 9th Grade: Drew Brown, Jordan Knox; Math: Jamie Artussee, Barak Grunewald; English: Kailee Bain, Mikayla Pak; Social Studies: Tyler Bostick, Haley Tucker; Science: Molly Frye, Rachel Montgomery; Student Council: Eric Dwiggins, Colton Wion; FCCLA: Cassie Hage, Gabby Gray; Yearbook: Crista Stoy, Aaron Fers; Vocal Music: Hannah Bowman, Taylor Graffman; Band: Drayton Slyconish Aurora Jordan; Alternative School: Lindsay Snider, Skylar Boone; Vo-Tech: Rhett Williams, Raylyn Morrison; Youth Alive: Tyler Tarwater, Sarah Petruska; Academic Team: Gage Boyd Kobe, Johnson; National Honor Society: Charee Graham, Brooke George; Cheerleading: Kendall Perez, Haley Kearns; Softball/Baseball: Caprice Graham, Ryder Hudson; Cross Country: Daisy Vanmeter, Brayden Smithson; Football: Alan Hargis, Dalton Carnes; Weight Lifting: Raymond Harrington, Steven Slade; Basketball: Riley Berry, Addison Ellis; Track: Brianna Counts, Bailey Graffman; Tennis: Eli Palmer, Kelsey Britt; Golf: Casey Bryant, Abbi Green; Art: Jessica Vanburnt, Adam Kleweno.