This year marks the 96th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the President’s Park in Washington, D.C. and Dryden High School’s decorated ornaments will be on display at the celebration. The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Education selected Dryden High School’s art department to create 24 ornaments to be hung at the ceremony on a Christmas tree representing New York State.
This holiday tradition features live musical performances and the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree, along with smaller trees displaying ornaments that represent every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. Dryden was selected this year among 56 schools across the country to have one-of-a-kind ornaments exhibited at the ceremony on Nov. 28.
Dryden’s photography, graphic design and AP studio art classes are using different mediums, such as clay, paint and digital art, to festively decorate the clear globe ornaments.
“It’s a great opportunity for the students in the Dryden community to participate in a nationally recognized event,” said Dryden art teacher Elizabeth Sprout.
Each ornament created by the Dryden art students encompasses a unique aspect of New York State. Ornaments were inspired by famous New York foods, such as apples and pizza, while others incorporate the state flower and bird. Some ornaments highlight local aspects of New York State, representing geographic landmarks like Ithaca and Buttermilk Falls.
The Dryden Central School District is excited to contribute to this nationally beloved tradition. Their decorated Christmas ornaments were mailed to Washington, D.C. on Oct. 24 in preparation for the ceremony.