East End Community School Teacher Joshua Chard Beside a Christmas Tree Decorted with Ornaments from EECS Students.

Led by their teacher, 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard, third-graders from East End Community School (EECS) designed nature-themed ornaments that are now decorating Maine’s tree as part of the 2024 National Christmas Tree display at the White House in Washington, D.C.

The students created the ornaments as part of the “America Celebrates” ornament program, an annual collaboration of the National Park Service, the US Department of Education and the National Park Foundtion.  Through this program, Americans from every state, territory and the District of Columbia create ornaments to symbolize the history, heritage and culture of their homeland.  The ornaments adaorned 58 smaller trees that surround the National Christmas Trees at the White House.

Chad recenetly  represeted the state of Maine  at the 102nd National Christmas Tree LIghting events in Washington, D.C.  The tree lighting ceremony, which took place December 5th is scheduled to air on CBS Friday, December 20th.

“In third grade, my studens explore the history of the Presumpscot River, which flows into the bay visible from our classroom windows,” explained Chard.  “We learn how the Wabanaki tribes have served as water protectors of these rivers, both in the past and today and we take action to support rivers and the diverse life they sustain.  Our ornaments showcae the flora and fauna found along the banks of the Presumpscot symbolizing what we thrive to protect, as we join the Wabanaki in being water protectors.’