Press release
Seattle Christian Schools’ eighth grade U.S. History students have been chosen to design and create the ornaments for Washington state’s tree for the 2011 National Christmas Tree display in President’s Park in Washington, D.C.

The school is located in SeaTac.

“It is an honor to be selected as I take a group of students almost every year to Washington, D.C. to visit our nation’s capital,” said Karla Tripoli, eighth grade U.S. History teacher. “We discuss the National Christmas Tree ceremony and visit its location. Now we actually get to participate in this historic event by making the decorations for our state’s tree and it is such an honor. We are excited to be a part of the National Christmas Tree display because this is our opportunity to represent Washington state (the other Washington) by creating decorations that represent us.”

Students developed their design strategies to represent Washington state by including things that represent the entire state—not just the Seattle area. Some students drew various landmarks such as the Space Needle or Pike Place Market. Others chose various state symbols such as the Hemlock, apple, or Goldfinch to name a few. Materials came from a variety of sources such as foam, clay and construction paper.

A local artist and local youth were selected from each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia to design and create 24 ornaments. Twenty-three of the ornaments will be hung from the state or territory tree as part of the National Christmas Tree display in President’s Park. One of the ornaments will decorate the White House Visitor Center Christmas tree, which showcases one ornament from all 56 states, territories and the District of Columbia.

“The decorating of the state and territory trees in President’s Park is a highly anticipated holiday tradition,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “We look forward to including the creations of eighth grade students at Seattle Christian Schools, representing Washington state during the 89th annual celebration.”

As one of America’s oldest holiday traditions, the National Christmas Tree Lighting began on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators on the Ellipse in President’s Park. Since 1923, each succeeding President has carried on the tradition of what now has become a month-long event presented by the National Park Foundation and National Park Service. In addition to the National Christmas Tree display, President’s Park hosts a variety of family-oriented holiday attractions, such as the Santa’s Workshop, nightly holiday performances, a Yule log, nativity scene, and model train display.