A third-grade class in Bernalillo is representing New Mexico by creating ornaments to be placed on a Christmas tree outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
The dual-language class taught by Ms. Acosta at Bernalillo Elementary School was selected to decorate the state’s tree in the nation’s capital.
“So in Washington D.C., there are 56 Christmas trees – one representing each state and the U.S. territories so New Mexico will have its own Christmas tree,” Amber Braden, a teacher at the school, told KOB 4.
The children used their imagination, design skills and knowledge of New Mexico to make drawings within the framework of an ornament.
“I drew our state flag [and] an alien, because in 19-something, there claimed to be an alien crash in Roswell,” student Aiden told KOB 4.
Aside from aliens and the flag, there are also other New Mexico staples that adorn the ornaments, such as the Sandia Mountains and red and green chilies.
“This one, I drew the hot air balloons from the Balloon Fiesta,” student Angel said.
The ornaments are on a tree among the 56 trees surrounding the National Christmas Tree. The display will remain until the end of the year.
“I’m very happy, especially, because it’s a dual-language class and I feel like sometimes we don’t get the recognition,” Acosta said. “So to be out there in Washington is amazing.”