Gustavus Adolphus College sophomore Avery Bather was crowned St. Lucia at the College’s 75th annual Festival of St. Lucia celebration on Thursday, Dec. 10. After being nominated along with five other sophomore women based on service to others, strength of character, courageous leadership, and compassion, Bather was selected as the 2015 honoree after a campus-wide vote.
“Avery is a bright, articulate young woman who embodies the characteristics that we value in St. Lucia. I’m impressed by her engagement on campus and think she’s a leader to watch in the years to come,” Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students JoNes VanHecke said. “This year’s candidates made for a very accomplished group, so it’s an honor for Avery to be chosen.”
“It’s been a privilege to get to know the other women on the court because we have so much in common,” Bather said. Her most moving part of the experience came at the annual breakfast with the St. Lucia court and other Guild of St. Lucia members. “There’s such a strong sense of history and it was so nice to get to meet the other women leaders who have been recognized in the past,” she said. “The community at Gustavus is so accepting and welcoming. I feel so honored to be a part of this tradition.”
Bather is involved on campus as a member of the women’s tennis team, a piano teacher in the Gustavus Piano Lab, a member of the Choir of Christ Chapel, and an accompanist for the Vasa Wind Orchestra.
The day of celebration at Gustavus included the St. Lucia court members singing carols throughout the College’s residence halls, the breakfast with members of the Guild of Lucia, the annual chapel service in Christ Chapel, and a traditional Scandinavian smorgasbord luncheon sponsored by the Gustavus Library Associates.
The College’s celebration of the Swedish tradition began in 1941 and commemorates the courage shown by the legendary St. Lucia, who is known for her faith and service to others. 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. Lucia is a day celebrating community, light, and the end to long winter nights as a symbol of hope and peace for the Christmas season.
The 2015 St. Lucia court included Bather, from Golden Valley, Minn., Gisel Murillo from Cancun, Mexico, Leah Moat from Chanhassen, Minn., Jessica Green from Farmington, Minn., Lindsey Kline from Pine City, Minn., and Solveig Svendsen from Bloomington, Minn.
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