Bellevue students send ornaments to Washington

St. Mary School in Bellevue is helping decorate the Nebraska State Christmas Tree in Washington.

Twenty-two eighth-grade students decorated ornaments that, according to the National Park Service in Washington, are “emblematic of their state.”

The school was selected based on its commitment to a dedicated art program with a certified art teacher that furthers the cause of the fine arts in schools, said Trish Wallinger, principal.

The round, five-inch diameter, plastic ornaments were sent to Washington where they will adorn one of 56 Christmas trees – one for each state, district and territory – in President’s Park surrounding the National Christmas Tree.

Students used various media to depict wildlife, agriculture, commerce, landscape and other state images, Wallinger said.

“The eighth-graders were so excited to have this honor,” said Rebekah Menzel, art teacher. “They’re really proud of what they accomplished.”