Meridian has flipped the switch on their Christmas tree.
The 5th Annual Winter Lights Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting celebration drew hundreds of people to Main Street to spread holiday cheer.
A special group of students from the West Ada School District came out to help with security.
"I was asked by my law enforcement class to volunteer and come and protect Santa," explained Mountain View High School senior Nathan Reno.
Nathan is just one of the 60 volunteers from the West Ada School District's Career Technical Education program. He and his fellow classmates hope to one day become first responders. Opportunities like this let the students put the skills they learn in the classroom to use in the real world.
"That's what fire and law enforcement is about," said Lee Britt, a CTE instructor. "We're public servants. We try to help our citizens in the best ways that we can. This is only one way that our students learn how to do that and get prepared for jobs in the future."
The students kept their eyes open for unattended children or anyone who needs help -- all to make sure everyone has a happy and safe holiday.
"It's a very good program," said Reno. "It's a very long waiting list to get in. I've had nothing but positive experiences in it."
