GCA students create ornaments for DC Christmas tree

File photo shows the 2019 National Christmas Tree display on the Ellipse in President’s Park. (National Park Foundation)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Students from 56 schools across the country, including from Grace Christian Academy in the CNMI, have designed one-of-a-kind ornaments for the 2020 National Christmas Tree display on the Ellipse in President’s Park. 

These unique ornaments will adorn 56 smaller trees that surround the National Christmas.

The trees represent each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia as part of the America Celebrates ornament display. This year, several ornaments from each school will also be displayed inside the White House.

Besides GCA representing the CNMI, other U.S. territories are represented by Lupelele Elementary School (American Samoa), Agana Heights Elementary School (Guam), Escuela Dr. Francisco Hernández y Gaetán (Puerto Rico), and St. Croix Educational Complex High School (U.S. Virgin Islands).

The America Celebrates ornament program is a collaboration of the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Park Foundation. The U.S. Department of Education worked through state art and education offices, which identified elementary, middle and high schools to participate in the America Celebrates program. The project is funded by the NPF.

One of the ornaments made by Grace Christian Academy students that are on display at the 2020 National Christmas Tree display on the (National Park Foundation)

From state flowers to notable landmarks, students created ornaments that celebrate their state, district or territory.

The America Celebrates display is one of the highlights of the National Christmas Tree experience. The virtual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held last Thursday, Dec. 3, at thenationaltree.org. This year’s show featured the recorded lighting of the National Christmas Tree, holiday performances and more. Due to COVID-19-related public health concerns, the NPS and NPF did not host a live audience this year. The show will be available to stream on-demand throughout the holiday season.

Every year one-of-a-kind ornaments are made by ordinary Americans, representing every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. These artists give their time and talents to design and create ornaments that symbolize the history, heritage and culture of their homelands. The America Celebrates display, which surrounds the National Christmas Tree, is free and open to visitors throughout December.

Watch the 2020 National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and the America celebrates ornaments from across the USA in 2020 at https://thenationaltree.org. (PR)