GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Thiel College cheer team joined the Greenville community on Dec. 6 by volunteering at the Greenville Christmas Light-Up Parade, helping the Greenville Public Library distribute more than 300 books to children along the parade route.
The annual parade is hosted by the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. A signature holiday event for the region, the parade begins in Riverside Park and continues up Main Street, drawing families from across the community. In support of the festivities, the Greenville Public Library typically closes early so staff and volunteers can help families take part in the celebration.
In addition to book giveaways, the library hosted a variety of seasonal activities during the parade, including themed story times, reading programs, and a letter-writing station where children could drop messages for Santa in the Greenville Salvation Army’s Big Red Magic Mailbox. Guests also enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa throughout the evening.
This year’s parade introduced a new feature—live award announcements from the procession. Honors included “Santa’s Favorite,” “Most Lit,” and “Jolliest Group,” recognizing participants who contributed standout holiday spirit to the community celebration.
This past fall, the cheer squad earned its fifth straight berth to the National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals. The bid qualifies the Tomcats for the 2026 NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla., where they will pursue their second national title in four years after winning in 2023 and earning podium finishes in each of their last four appearances.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.