Atlanta elementary school students performed at the 68th Annual Macy's Great Tree Lighting ceremony last month.

The Sarah Smith Elementary School fourth and fifth grade chorus performed at the event for the third year in a row. Their teacher, Neil Thompson, selected the song Let There Be Peace on Earth “to shine a positive message this holiday season.”

Thousands of people showed up to the Lenox Square event Thanksgiving week to help ring in the holiday season.

Channel 2’s Jovita Moore and Craig Lucie hosted the evening that included performances by contemporary Christian music group MercyMe, and Jordin Sparks and Danny Gokey, both of “American Idol.”

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The quadrangle at Oxford College of Emory University. The university announced Wednesday it will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000. (Courtesy of Kay Hinton)

Credit: Kay Hinton

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com