Third-graders Help Mayor Decorate Tree

Six young students from area schools will assist Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan next Friday evening for the annual lighting ceremony marking the beginning of the holiday season in the Christmas City.

Third-graders Rachell Guzman and Giovanni Tepa from , and Nathan Ganetti, Katelyn Phung, Kristen Rommens and Alexander Smith from Asa Packer Elementary School will all pull the switch, officially lighting the city's Christmas trees and the Bethlehem star on November 25, the day after Thanksgiving.

The announcement came today as third-grade classes from both schools acted as the mayor's assistants while helping Callahan in decorating the Mayor's Christmas tree with ornaments hand-decorated by the students.

For their efforts, students were treated to lunch with the mayor on the steps of Payrow Plaza, and each received a new backpack, two new books of their choosing and candy to take home.

The lunch and gifts were provided by , the Cops 'n' Kids Literacy program, and .

Student athlete volunteers from and helped students hang their ornaments and served lunch to the students.

“This lovely collaboration is what makes our community as special as it is,” said Cops 'n' Kids Coordinator Beverly Bradley.