Gustavus Adolphus College crowned sophomore Katelyn Johnson as the 2007 St. Lucia during the college’s 67th annual Festival of St. Lucia on Thursday, Dec. 6. Every year five sophomore women are chosen to serve on the college’s St. Lucia Court based on academic achievement, spiritual leadership, service to the College, and other qualities. Lucia is chosen through a campus community vote.
The five women selected for the 2007 Lucia Court were:
-Amara Berthelsen of Midlothian, Texas
-Katelyn Johnson of Midlothian, Texas
-Chelsea Koepsell of Sioux Falls, S.D.
-Cathryn Nelson of Moorhead, Minn.
-Hayley O’Connell of Excelsior, Minn.
The Gustavus celebration, which dates back to 1941, commemorates the Swedish custom that honors the courage shown by St. Lucia who, according to legend, was martyred for being Christian and helping the poor. On Dec. 13 in homes throughout Sweden, the eldest daughter plays the role of St. Lucia by preparing and serving baked goods and coffee to her family at sunrise while singing. Wearing a crown of lighted candles, Lucia represents the return of light that will end the long winter nights and serves as a symbol of hope and peace for the Christmas season.
The annual Gustavus event features early morning caroling by St. Lucia and her court, a chapel service to crown St. Lucia in Christ Chapel, and a traditional Swedish smörg
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510