For the past four years, the first week of December has come to represent much more than just the beginning of the holidays for me.

“Tree Week” has come to represent something much greater than anything I could have imagined. Every year, hundreds of dedicated Shores singers and instrumentalists gather for a week filled with music, holiday spirit, and most importantly, spending time with loved ones during the holiday season.

Senior year was no different. For the past four years, tree week has always held a special place in my heart.

As I made my way up the steps of the 67-foot-tree for the final time, I couldn’t help but wish for just one more show. I just needed one more round of the famous “Siyahamba,” one more unexplainable moment of standing in the 11^th row and looking down at a packed audience, one more moment of knowing that I was part of one of the best high school choir programs in the nation.

I found myself wishing the week would slow down. The two-hour performances seemed to fly by. I couldn’t believe that we had managed to recite 21 pieces of music in English, Yiddish, Zulu, and Latin, strictly from memory in front of thousands of people, without skipping a beat.

Tears were shed as we sang our final songs. I had such a deep appreciation for my fellow classmates, and my amazing leaders- Shawn Lawton, Michael D’Oyly, and Cynthia Bates Twining- for our success in putting on a great show.

Still, it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that I will never again be among hundreds of kids in a giant singing Christmas tree. I am so grateful for the four years of memories that will last me a lifetime.

In the past four years, my choir classmates have become my family. Together, we‘ve overcome our own personal obstacles. Together, we’ve grown as people. Together, we’ve shown the world that anything is possible if one sets his mind to it.

My spot in the tree will inevitably be replaced next year by another deserving student who will stand in front of thousands of people continuing the tradition of excellence that The Singing Christmas Tree has offered for 27 years.

Wherever life takes me, I’ll always remember those 25,000 lights, the 67-foot-tree, and the hundreds of people who made my high school experience something I will never forget.