Choir charms city with carols

Students from St. John Catholic School donned lighted Santa hats, carried battery-operated candles, and belted out traditional carols as part of the Miracle on Main Electric Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony held in Downtown Westminster Saturday night.  First through seventh grade members of the St. John Catholic School Choir and Glee Club marched alongside the School’s eagle mascot “Mighty” and paraded down Main Street singing standard Christmas carols.

When the students arrived at Locust Square, they encircled the Westminster Christmas Tree and performed songs under the direction of Jeannie Carbo, SJS Choir Director and Celia Bechtel, Glee Club Director.  Students later joined the Westminster Municipal Band in a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells and the crowd was invited to (and did!) sing along.

Westminster City Mayor Kevin Utz and other officials spoke briefly, thanking sponsors, and proceeded to light the official downtown holiday tree and then welcome the arrival of Santa! 

In addition to holiday-themed activities for the children at the Carroll County Public Library, attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies in Locust Square.

The School’s Parent and Teacher Organization President Deb Kennedy shared, “As a parent  of a third grade St. John School Choir member, I could not have been more proud of our school and its enthusiasm for the Christmas Season, that is so richly upon us.  I applaud Westminster City Parks and Recreation for putting on such a special event and thank them for inviting us to be a part of the celebration!”

Located in Westminster, St. John Catholic School is a faith-based, private school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8.