Photo courtesy of St. Francis De Sales Catholic Academy
Twenty-four sixth grade students from St. Francis De Sales Catholic Academy in Belle Harbor, Queens currently have ornaments they designed on display on the New York State tree, which is located beside the National Christmas Tree in President’s Park in Washington, D.C.
Every state has a Christmas tree at the White House in addition to the official National Christmas tree, and this year students from St. Francis de Sales were chosen to contribute the ornaments to New York’s. The theme was “What Makes My State Beautiful” and these students designed ornaments that included St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trump Tower, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Montauk Lighthouse and the Coney Island Cyclone.
St. Francis De Sales students designed ornaments that celebrate the rich culture, iconic landmarks, and vibrant spirit of New York, bringing a touch of Rockaway pride to the nation’s capital.
“Our 6th-grade students are extremely proud of their ornaments,” says Nancy Re, fifth and sixth grade ELA teacher at St. Francis De Sales. “Rarely are they given a task that allows them to incorporate so many aspects of their studies. The students researched New York state landmarks and then shared them in both words and art. Designing ornaments for the National Christmas Tree was such an honor for these young citizens.”
This cherished tradition hosted by the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service showcases 59 beautifully decorated trees, each representing a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, the Bureau of Indian Education, Department of Defense Education Activities, and America 250.
