Spirit shines bright

HURLEY - The Hurley PTO lit the first School Spirit Tree on Thursday night at the Hurley K-12 School.

Despite chilly winds, about 40 people attended the event, listening to singing and waiting for the tree to shine.

"On behalf of the Hurley School District, thank you all for being here," superintendent Chris Patritto said. "When the PTO first came to us with this, we thought it was a great idea."

The PTO decided to do the tree as a way to celebrate students, alumni, staff and their accomplishments, as well as alumni and community members in memory.

Orange lights were lit in celebration, while white lights were lit in memory.

Lights were sold for more than a month, with the PTO setting a goal of 200 lights sold. In addition to community lights, the PTO also purchased a light for every single student in the Hurley School District.

The Hurley PTO started the ceremony by thanking Joe Vairus and the Iron County Forestry Department for getting the tree, as well as school staff for installing it.

High school students in Silver Express performed "Carol of the Bells," outside, and greeted attendees with a performance of "Christmas Canon Rock" inside the cafeteria.

Attendees also munched on free hot chocolate and cookies while the high school band performed the Hurley School song.

The goal is to continue the event in the future, and according to Patritto, have more room for lights.

"Hopefully, we can get a bigger tree next year, as this event grows," he said.

For more information, call the Hurley K-12 School District at 715-561-4900 or visit hurley.k12.wi.us.