A Vista Grande Elementary School student has been chosen to represent New Mexico in the prestigious America Celebrates ornament display adorning the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.
The honor goes to fifth grade student Maximo Risso, whose ornament design features a colorful sunset, a yucca, the Sandia Mountains and the state flag. The ornament symbolizes the state’s rich history, heritage and culture. Liz Lockhart, Vista Grande Elementary’s art teacher, guided Risso and other participating students who created 24 ornaments, all of which now hang on the New Mexico tree.
The America Celebrates display surrounds the National Christmas Tree, showcasing unique ornaments crafted by students across the U.S. CBS will broadcast this year’s ceremony nationally on Dec. 20, allowing families to witness the tradition from home and featuring messages from President Biden and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
Risso’s winning design was chosen from the New Mexico tree display and now represents the state on the National Christmas Tree website (thenationaltree.org). The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education recently recognized Risso for his accomplishment.
The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is a long-standing tradition, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the season in a spirit of hope and unity.
“It took me four shades of brown alone to get the dirt done,” Risso told the board. “It took like six shades of green just to get the yucca plant on. This is an amazing experience for me.”