FTC kicks off holiday spirit with dual celebration
Reporting and Photos by Isabella Escobar
The holiday season officially kicked off at Five Towns College on December 2nd with a double-feature holiday celebration, starting with the annual holiday lighting ceremony in the main lobby. FTC’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble opened the festivities with a stunning performance.
Assistant Dean for Campus Life Michael Cavalli donned a full Santa Claus costume with a white beard for the celebration. Cavalli Claus, who came all the way from the North Pole’s Downbeat hub, shared the true spirit of the gathering. “We want to remind people that at Five Towns College, we always want to try to find the reason for the season and moments of joy and happiness. What we celebrate is not one holiday tradition, but rather embracing the common thread that light provides for all holiday traditions and all holiday celebrations to let people know that they’re welcome and they belong at FTC, and especially during the holidays. We want to wish everyone from this Santa Claus to your family, a very happy holiday, however you may celebrate.”
The ceremony continued with warm remarks from President Dr. David Cohen, who then shifted the spotlight to Director of Student Activities Lindsey Meakem and Mass Comm major David Frith, who donned his own festive Santa costume. Together, they had the honor of lighting the Christmas tree, the Hanukkah menorah, and the Kwanzaa kinara, marking the celebration of all three holiday traditions. Each of these traditional decorations was accompanied by an infographic for those who wished to learn more about the holiday. Following the lighting, students and faculty were invited to enjoy seasonal treats such as latkes, hot chocolate, and cookies.
Santa Frith expressed his excitement about being part of the annual event. “It was a lot of fun. I actually got to participate in the lighting. I enjoyed the music. It was amazing. I was always a big fan of vocal jazz and the Charlie Brown specials.”
The Five Towns festivities didn’t stop there, with RHA (Residence Hall Association) and the FTC Sound Stream teaming up to present Winter Wonder Jam, taking place later that night in the Downbeat from 6-9 PM.
Adrian Kartalozi, who co-hosted the event with fellow Mass Comm student Aaron Jones, reflected on the night’s energy. “It had a great vibe. I love the festive vibes that go on here. You were able to sing, dance, and just overall have a good time with some of the students here at FTC. So honestly, it was a blast.”
Students had the chance to participate in holiday-themed activities, which included karaoke, competing in an ugly-sweater showdown, enjoying live performances, creating holiday cards for seniors in the community, and helping themselves to an array of festive snacks.
Sophomore Theatre major Charles Houser appreciated the opportunity to participate in the Letters Against Isolation holiday card initiative and explained its mission. “I set up the holiday cards for the senior citizens; it’s basically a time for us to be generous to the people who don’t have much or really anything this holiday season. I’m very happy with the turnout; we got way more letters than I pledged to the website. So some people are going to be very happy this holiday season.”
With strong participation across both events, Five Towns College welcomed in the holiday season as the Fall 2025 semester nears its end. Students are encouraged to check their emails for details on future campus events.
