Kentucky high school students have artwork on display outside the White House. There are 58 student-decorated trees representing states, territories and schools managed by the Bureau of Indian Education and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity.

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky high school students have artwork on display outside the White House

  • This year, the Owensboro Innovation Academy in Owensboro, Kentucky, was selected to represent the state

  • Both the National Christmas Tree and the state trees are on display through Jan. 1

This year, the Owensboro Innovation Academy in Owensboro, Kentucky, was selected to represent the state. 

Haley West, a senior at OIA, said her artwork was inspired by the Owensboro community and the way people from different backgrounds can come together. 

“We just have this tight-knit community. Especially at OIA where everyone is really different, but we all get along,” West told Spectrum News. 

West’s ornament also depicts the Blue Bridge, which crosses the Ohio River — linking Owensboro and Indiana, another symbol of unity.

“It's pretty like iconic where we live," West said. "Everyone who lives here knows what the Blue Bridge is.” 

This year, more than 2,600 students took part in the ornament program, with ages ranging from four to 19. Organizers say they hope each participant will learn about “the place they call home.” 

Stephanie Gray, a teacher who spearheaded the project, said the students are excited to see the work highlighted on a national stage. 

“I think it just means that they can see the work they do and be proud of that and know that their school is representing Kentucky this year,” Gray told Spectrum News.

The state trees featuring the student ornaments surround the National Christmas Tree. The National Christmas Tree is a century-old tradition that is also tied to education. 

In 1923, a letter arrived at the White House from the Washington, D.C., public school system proposing that a decorated Christmas tree be placed on the South Lawn of the White House. Later that year, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree. 

Both the National Christmas Tree and the state trees are on display through Jan. 1. The display is open daily at 10 a.m. with the tree lights turning on at 5 p.m. and turning off at 10 p.m.