WASHINGTON, D.C. — Students from Austin Area School District, Pennsylvania’s smallest school district, were selected to contribute to the National Christmas Tree display.
An ornament created by an Austin Area School District student for the Pennsylvania Tree, part of the America Celebrates display, which surrounds the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park in Washington, D.C.
Each year, the National Park Foundation and National Park Service present the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park.
According to the National Park Foundation, “Ornaments symbolizing the history, heritage and culture of every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia adorn the state trees that make the America Celebrates display, which surrounds the National Christmas Tree.”
AASD art teacher Bethany Brown led students in creating ornaments highlighting various experiences unique to Pennsylvania and Potter County. Students were asked, “What makes your state beautiful?”
Their ornaments adorn the Pennsylvania Tree, part of the National Christmas Tree display’s “Pathway of Peace,” a display of 58 smaller trees representing each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. These trees are decorated by a local school in each state, and the ornaments honor their state’s unique traditions and heritage. The annual celebration, which started in 1923, is organized by the National Park Service, Department of Education and National Park Foundation.
U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., on Thursday recognized the Austin students for their contributions.
“Austin Area School District students brought Pennsylvania’s Christmas spirit to Washington, D.C., and highlighted what makes Potter County such a special place to live,” Thompson said. “I am incredibly proud of our students and their contribution to this cherished national tradition.”
“Students were very excited to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Brown said. “Potter County has so much to offer, and we are grateful for being chosen to highlight our outdoor region of rural Pennsylvania. Thank you, Congressman Thompson, for your hospitality and recognition of our school’s contribution to the National Christmas Tree Display on the House Floor. My colleagues and I are proud to support and highlight our students’ success and creativity.
Student Breanna Gentzel said, “Having the opportunity to create a design that not only symbolizes me, but my school and the area around me is so special. I feel so proud to have been given this chance, and I hope that someone will see this ornament and agree with the beauty of Pennsylvania’s land. I am also thankful to my teacher, Mrs. Brown, for introducing us to this idea and letting us be as creative as we want. This is a project that I will remember for a very long time.”
The National Christmas Tree Display is open every day from Dec. 7 through Jan. 1 and the trees will typically be lit at sunset each evening.
Austin Area School District in Potter County serves approximately 180 pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students from surrounding communities and excels in creating innovative, personalized, one-on-one experiences for their students.
