OLYMPIA, WA— For the first time, a tree from Washington state has been selected as the nation’s official Capitol Christmas Tree. Along with the honor of donating the nation’s tree, Washington school children have been tasked with creat ing unique decorations that represent the Evergreen state. And one lucky student, along with his or her parent/guardian and school teacher, will win a trip to Washington, D.C. for the official tree lighting ceremony on December 6.
The tree, a 65foot tall Pacific Silver fir, is being provided by the Olympic National Forest in partnership with Northwest Interpretive Association and the State of Washington.
“This is a once in a lifetime chance for students to display their creative works at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.,” said Terry Bergeson, state superintendent of public instruction.
Thousands of handcrafted ornaments are needed for the tree that will be adorned with over 10,000 LED lights. All K12 schools – including public, private and home schools – are invited to participate. Ornaments must be submitted to the Washington Grange by November 1.
(Photo: 4-H Network News Reporter Claire Turner will report from Olympia, November 6th, on the Governors presentation.) Every student who submits an ornament is eligible for the trip drawing. Governor Gregoire’s husband, First Mike, will draw the winning student’s name on November 6 th during a ceremony at the State Capitol. This ceremony will kick off the state tour of the Large Tree, prior to it’s shipment to Washington D.C. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the USDA Forest Service have developed templates and sample lesson plans for ornament design. Ornaments should depict the theme, “A gift from the Evergreen State” and will provide wonderful opportunities for students to learn and share about Washington’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
To learn how to submit decorations for the nation’s tree, visit the Washington Ornament Campaign Web site
The OSPI Arts Web site provides sample lesson plans teachers can use when leading ornament design.
Show your support with this beautiful - and patriotic - little lapel pin! Pin design by Mark MacKay. (Northwest Interpretive Association. Price: $4.95)
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