TOWAMENCIN- Watch out in the hallways this week because students and staff will probably be looking up at the walls rather than straight ahead. Everyone is searching for their name on one of thousands of paper light bulbs.

Each year, North Penn’s Student Government Association writes the name of every student and staff member on a paper light and hangs them in the hallways and pods. The paper bulbs, strung throughout North Penn, mimic holiday lights that are strung on houses. They can be found in pods A, B, C, D, and E.

This annual tradition dates back to over 30 years ago. Most students hope to take theirs each year, keeping 3 total as a memory from North Penn. You can also find many teachers with their collection of light bulbs from their years of teaching.

“I think in a school this big, it’s just nice to see your name and be recognized, even if it’s just on a light bulb. With so many people, it’s hard to sometimes single out students and make them feel apart of something, and [the light bulbs] accomplish that,” said SGA adviser Mr. Berger.

Though the bulbs are very popular, it is a strenuous task for the SGA. A few weeks before the lights go up, every SGA member is given an envelope with names. They are expected to write and cut out their portion of light bulbs. It took many hours to make them as well as time after school on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday to put them all up. Around 40 SGA members were involved in the process.  

“My favorite part of light bulbs is when you have been stringing bulbs for hours and are really tired, but then look up at the wall and see all of SGA’s hard work. You appreciate them more when you know how much hard work went into hanging them,” said SGA President and senior Anissa Gardizy.

Since there is a light bulb for every student and staff member, there are over 3300, making it hard for people to spot theirs. If you do see your light bulb, do not take it down until Friday, December 22nd. This is the last day before winter break, but the bulbs cannot be taken down before then. After the 22nd, SGA will strip the halls of any remaining light bulbs, leaving empty walls for January 2nd.

“It’s really fun for everyone to see names on the wall before we leave for holiday break. It makes our big school seem a little bit smaller,” said Gardizy

The light bulbs are a great way to show holiday spirit in the school, as well as a way to recognize every student and staff member. This popular tradition put on by SGA is much appreciated, and all members of North Penn look forward to it every year.