Faith Wassell, a sophomore at a high school in Kingman, Ariz., designed and painted a Route 66-themed ornament that now hangs in the National Christmas Tree at the White House in Washington, D.C., reports the Kingman Daily Miner.
The tree was presented Nov. 30, and the lighting ceremony, presided over by President Bush and the first lady, was Dec. 4. The theme was a “Red, White and Blue Christmas.” The White House Christmas tree tradition goes back to 1889. Faith’s ornament represents the state’s 2nd District.
The theme was reflected in each ornament, with Faith utilizing the colors in a replica of the American flag.
She also had a desert landscape, Route 66 sign, Arizona flag and homage to the Native American tribes in Arizona. […]
Faith and her father attended a luncheon on Dec. 2 for the students whose ornaments were selected, where Laura Bush spoke.
Prior to the luncheon, Faith and her father toured the White House, seeing the Red, Green and Blue rooms. The approximately 18-foot tree filled the Blue Room, with space for individuals to walk around and see each ornament.
It didn’t take long for Faith to spot her ornament.
“It was breathtaking just to know you were there and for a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Faith said.
Ornaments for the tree are chosen by each U.S. congressman. You can see each of the ornaments individually by going here. I recommend that you check out Marc Rubin’s intricate, Chicago-inspired design, representing Illinois’ 7th District.