Congressman Thompson recognized Austin Area School District students on the floor of the U.S. House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) on Thursday recognized students from the Austin Area School District (AASD) for their contributions to the National Christmas Tree display.

AASD in Potter County - Pennsylvania's smallest school district - was selected to decorate the Pennsylvania Tree, which is part of the National Christmas Tree display's "Pathway of Peace" south of the White House at the Ellipse.

Students from AASD's art class, led by teacher Mrs. Bethany Brown, created ornaments highlighting various experiences unique to Pennsylvania and Potter County.

"Austin Area School District students brought Pennsylvania's Christmas spirit to Washington, D.C., and highlighted what makes Potter County such a special place to live," Rep. Thompson said. "I am incredibly proud of our students and their contribution to this cherished national tradition."

"Students were very excited to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Mrs. Brown said. "Potter County has so much to offer, and we are grateful for being chosen to highlight our outdoor region of rural Pennsylvania. Thank you, Congressman Thompson, for your hospitality and recognition of our school's contribution to the National Christmas Tree Display on the House Floor. My colleagues and I are proud to support and highlight our students' success and creativity.

"Having the opportunity to create a design that not only symbolizes me, but my school and the area around me is so special," said Breanna Gentzel, a student at AASD. "I feel so proud to have been given this chance, and I hope that someone will see this ornament and agree with the beauty of Pennsylvania’s land. I am also thankful to my teacher, Mrs. Brown, for introducing us to this idea and letting us be as creative as we want. This is a project that I will remember for a very long time.”

Rep. Thompson Recognizes AASD’s Contributions on the House Floor.

The National Christmas Tree Display is open everyday from December 7 through January 1, 2025. and the trees will typically be lit at sunset each evening.
 
AASD Background: Austin Area School District in Potter County is the smallest public school in Pennsylvania. This school serves approximately 180 pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students from the surrounding communities and excels in creating innovative, personalized one-on-one experiences for their students.

National Christmas Tree Lighting Background: 

• Each year, the National Park Foundation and National Park Service present the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park.
• This annual celebration, which started in 1923, is an event that brings together families, friends, and communities to celebrate the holidays in one of America’s national parks.

State Trees – “Pathway of Peace” Background:

• In addition to the National Christmas Tree, the "Pathway of Peace" is a display of 58 smaller trees representing each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
• These trees are decorated by a local school in each state, and the ornaments honor their state's unique traditions and heritage.
• This is organized by the National Park Service, Department of Education, and National Park Foundation.
• When tasked with creating ornaments for the tree, students were asked, "What makes your state beautiful?"