BURRILLVILLE – Fourteen ornaments designed by students at Steere Farm Elementary School last year have become a part of a holiday attraction in the nation’s capital, and now hang on a tree representing Rhode Island in the America Celebrates display.
In a project led by Steere Farm teacher Jennifer Kennedy, the students, who were third-graders at the time, were asked to create ornaments that symbolize the state. Their creations were sent to President’s Park in Washington, DC, where trees representing every U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia surround the larger National Christmas Tree.
Depicting a variety of state landmarks and icons, the students submitted one-of-a-kind images to represent Rhode Island.
“Our ornaments reflect the natural beauty of our state, highlighting our amazing beaches, lighthouses, and oceanside nature,” noted Kennedy in a statement on the project published on the National Tree website.
An American tradition since 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse to light a 48-foot fir tree decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white and green, the National Christmas Tree aims to bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the season.
This year, a 32-foot red spruce from Virginia will be lit at the 103rd event on Thursday, Dec. 4. The ceremony will include performances by Alana Springsteen, Brett Young, Gabby Barrett, Jillian Cardarelli, Jon Pardi, Matthew West, The Beach Boys and Warren Zeiders, with Gabby Barrett and Matthew West to serve as co-hosts. The evening’s performances will be led by Music Director Tariqh Akoni, backed by The United States Navy Band Commodores, and will be televised on the Great American Family network on Friday, Dec. 5.
As in past years, the 58 smaller trees surrounding the spruce will all feature student-designed ornaments. Last year, students at Frank A. Thompson Middle School in Newport held the honor.
“These artists dedicate their time and talents to designing and creating ornaments that symbolize the history, heritage, and culture of their homes,” notes a write up on the effort.
In Burrillville, all students in Steere Farm’s third grade class designed ornaments last year, then voted on which ones to send to Washington. The 14 chosen include many depicting the gold anchor on the on the state seal, along with beaches, lighthouses, bridges and more.
“I made the most beautiful ship made by Rhode Island and the most beautiful ship in the world… I don’t believe it… Titanic is more beautiful,” notes a quote by Steere Farm student Jameson, now posted on the national website. “But it is the most beautiful ship made by Rhode Island.”
“We are so proud of our talented SFE students, whose ornaments are now adorning our state’s tree beside the National Christmas Tree,” said Steere Farm Principal Courtney Francis.
Francis thanked Kennedy for leading the school’s effort, along with the National Park Foundation and National Park Service for making the project possible. She also thanked District 23 Sen. Jessica de la Cruz, who referred Steere Farm to the White House for consideration.
The America Celebrates display, which surrounds the National Christmas Tree, is free and open to visitors throughout December. The special on the tree lighting event will stream on Great American Pure Flix until Jan. 31, 2026.
