TOWAMENCIN – As students and staff entered North Penn High School this week, an undeniable sense of holiday spirit filled the halls. This spirit may be attributed to the addition of a 14 foot tall tree on display in the main lobby. The large Douglas Fir has been an annual North Penn tradition during the holiday season for many years. It took the entire Student Government’s help, but the fourteen foot display was finished being decorated this week, so the holiday season could officially begin at North Penn.

For many years an artificial tree was decorated and on display to celebrate the holiday season. But about six years ago, North Penn made the switch to a much larger real tree to add to the spirit of the season.

The tree brings a noticeable presence to the auditorium lobby as it glows in the morning.

“It’s really cool to walk into the building in the morning and see the tree even from the front of the building. The tree’s lit and decorated, and it just puts a smile on your face as you walk in,” said SGA Co-Advisor Kyle Berger.

Due to a previous instance of fire code violations with the Towamencin Fire marshalls in 2013, the Student Government Association has taken all precautions in keeping the school safe from any hazards that may come with having a tree this large in a busy school.

“We’ve taken some precautions since then, there’s flame retardant spray on the tree, and it’s far enough down from the ceiling, so it’s all up to code,” Berger explained.

The tree will stand tall in the lobby until winter break, where it has the promise to uplift student’s spirits this holiday season.