Congressman Faleomavaega today expresses his appreciation to the elementary school teachers and students of Iakina Adventist Academy, Leone Midkiff Elementary School, Lupelele Elementary School, and St. Theresa Elementary School for the beautiful Christmas tree ornaments they prepared and donated for our nation’s National Christmas Tree Program this year.

 The National Christmas Tree which stands on the Ellipse, the park area situated between the White House and the George Washington Monument, is a living Colorado blue spruce from York, Pennsylvania.  Planted on October 20, 1978, the National Christmas Tree is surrounded by 56 smaller trees sponsored by and representing each of the 50 states, the five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.  The tree is lighted by the President and First Lady during the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree ceremony held in early December of each year.

“I want to acknowledge the outstanding handicraft work and talent of our local elementary students and teachers who prepared and donated the ornaments for our National Christmas Tree program in Washington, DC,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “I was very impressed by their artistic talent as shown in the ornaments I received in my Washington office.”

“I want to thank the principals, the teachers, and especially the students of Iakina Adventist Academy, Leone Midkiff Elementary School, Lupelele Elementary School, and St. Theresa Elementary School for the beautiful ornaments which included a variety of handicrafts and designs that depict the many aspects of our unique Samoan culture and our environment.  Some examples included Samoan fan, ava bowl, tuiga, siapo, tropical fish, tropical birds, and many other handicrafts woven from coconut leaves, bandanus leaves, and sennit representing every day life in Samoa.”

“I am very proud of our students and teachers for their talents.  The ornaments have been on display for the world to see on the American Samoa tree next to the National Christmas Tree,” concluded Faleomavaega.