WI students' ornaments on tree at national "America Celebrates" display

The National Christmas Tree lights were turned on Wednesday night, and students across the nation are sharing in its glow.

More than 1,300 hand-crafted ornaments hang from 56 small trees surrounding the National Christmas Tree. The trees represent each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. It's part of the "America Celebrates" display.

In 2018, the ornaments on the Wisconsin tree were created by students at DeLong Middle School in Eau Claire.

Students said they made 24 ornaments and chose to represent each season in Wisconsin.

"I just like the creativity. It was just like fun to just imagine our state, how we're representing them,” said Ed McGee, 8th grade student.

The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Education worked with state art and education agencies to identify middle and high schools to participate.

“Students imagined things that were special to their states and created beautiful ornaments,” said Katie Liming, a spokesperson with the National Parks Service, “this is one of my favorite parts of the national Christmas tree lighting.”

In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge ordered the first White House tree to usher in the holidays. Beginning in 1954, came the smaller trees, one for each state, territory, and the nation’s capital.

“It makes it feel like a truly American celebration,” Liming said of the student decorations, “it’s a really fun way to participate in this holiday tradition.”

20,000 visitors were expected to attend Wednesday’s national tree lighting.

The 2017 Wisconsin ornaments were created by students with disabilities in classes conducted by VSA Wisconsin.