In recent years the lighting of Chapman Park campground has become a much-anticipated community tradition. The stunning display of Christmas lights is the result of preparation, teamwork, and dedication led by NHS advisor Kimberly Halterman and a team of students from the National Honor Society (NHS) whose hard work transformed the park into a holiday wonderland. Behind the sparkle and glow, there were challenges, moments of inspiration, and incredible acts of generosity that made this project truly special.
One of the biggest hurdles the team faces each year during the setup of the lights is the weather. “We were fortunate to complete most of the larger tasks before the temperatures dropped,” explained Halterman.
Early in the process, the weather was on their side—sunny and warm conditions for the Make a Difference Day allowed the team to work efficiently and on schedule. However, as the cold set in just before Thanksgiving, completing the smaller tasks became increasingly difficult.
“Working in freezing temperatures meant we couldn’t stay at the park for more than an hour at a time, which made it harder to wrap everything up,” Halterman continued. Despite the cold, the students remained committed to the project, determined to finish what they had started.
Throughout the project, the support of the local community played a vital role. The team received help from several community members and organizations, including Kari Thorpe, Sam Goettl, Polly Hoffman, and Danny Halterman, who provided guidance and assistance during key moments. Halterman shared that former NHS advisor Polly Hoffman was particularly instrumental and provided invaluable guidance whenever they had questions. She added that the planning process for this year’s holiday lights was made easier by Hoffman’s groundwork. “Her hard work over the years made it much easier for us to hit the ground running without losing too much time in the planning process,” said Halterman.
One of the most touching and heartfelt contributions came from Debbie Plombon, who made a donation of $1,000 worth of Christmas lights in memory of her late husband, Butch Plombon, who had a deep love for holiday lights. “That generous contribution was deeply touching and made a significant impact on our project,” said Halterman.
The holiday lights project was not only about decorating the park—it was an opportunity for the students to develop essential life skills like leadership, teamwork, and creativity. “Working with NHS students on the Christmas lights project has been an absolute pleasure,” said Halterman. “These students consistently showcase exceptional leadership, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Their ability to tackle challenges—whether big or small—ensured that no obstacle, other than the late-November weather, stood in our way for long.”
The students took ownership of the project and stepped up to lead tasks and make important decisions. “It’s truly inspiring how often students took the initiative to head out to the park on their own, even when I couldn’t be there with them,” Halterman recalled. “Time and again, they demonstrated outstanding leadership by taking charge and pushing the project forward. Without their proactive efforts, we wouldn’t have completed the lights as efficiently or quickly as we did.”
Halterman shared that one of the most remarkable aspects of the project was the students’ creative input. When it came time to decide where to place the lights and how to design the display, the students were encouraged to be as creative as possible. “I trust you. Be creative!’” Halterman said she would tell them. “More often than not, their suggestions end up being better than anything I could have come up with!”
For the students and Halterman alike, the moment the park lights up with its holiday decorations is a culmination of all their hard work. “Seeing the park lit up with these beautiful decorations fills me with immense pride. They are a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of my NHS students,” said Halterman. “Watching their efforts come to life, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment. This project is about more than lights or decorations; it’s a celebration of the holiday spirit the students have fostered in the community and the positive impact they’ve created. Moments like these reaffirm why it’s such an honor to guide and work with such remarkable young leaders.”
With the lights shining brightly and the holiday spirit alive in the park, the NHS is already looking forward to next year’s project, eager to continue this beautiful tradition for the community.
“The students felt that the process went smoothly overall but noted that many of the lights will need testing and replacement at the end of the season,” said Halterman. Moving forward, they are planning for future upgrades and hoping to gather donations of new lights to maintain the quality of the display.
This year’s Christmas light display stands as a proud symbol of the hard work, creativity, and community spirit that define the holiday season. No matter the challenges, coming together for a common goal can light up more than just a park—it can brighten an entire community.