A taupou preparing the ava, a man fishing on a paopao, the tanoa, staff and whisk, fale Samoa and hibiscus and pua flowers are some of the scenes depicted on ornaments that are now hanging on Christmas trees near the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park, Washington, DC.
They are the work of 12 students of Lupelele Elementary School, one of 56 schools across America selected to make ornaments for the America Celebrates ornament display.
This year several ornaments from each school will also be displayed inside the White House
The 56 smaller trees represent each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia.
The American Celebrates ornament program is a collaboration of the National Park Service, the US Department of Education and the National Park Foundation.
The U.S. Department of Education worked through state art and education offices, which identified elementary, middle and high schools to participate in the America Celebrates program. The project is funded by the National Park Foundation.
Principal of Lupelele Elementary, Julie Faauliuli Meleisea said their students worked very hard on the ornaments and she is very proud that their work will be viewed by thousands of people who will visit the Christmas tree display.
The student artists are:
- Andrew Alingacion
- Faafetai Sapakuka
- Anjini Chand
- Esperanza Talataina
- Dante Lausen
- Jeremiah Falute
- Samuela Sorby
- Siaumau Fiu
- Jasmine Lafaele
- Nuufoulotopa Leuta
- Sopoilagi Te’i
- Tasjsha Ames
watch the lighting ceremony for the National Christmas Tree and Read all about the America Celebrates Program here…https://thenationaltree.org
