[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 180 (Thursday, December 5, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H6373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING AUSTIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO TREE 
                           LIGHTING CEREMONY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, tonight is the beloved 
annual tradition of the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and 
I rise to recognize the Austin Area School District's contributions to 
this display.
  The Austin Area School District in Potter County, Pennsylvania, is 
the smallest public school in Pennsylvania. The school serves 
approximately 180 prekindergarten through 12th grade students from the 
surrounding communities and excels in creating innovative, personalized 
one-on-one experiences for their students.
  This year, the Austin Area School District was selected to decorate 
the Pennsylvania tree, which is part of the Pathway of Peace, a display 
of 58 smaller trees representing each State, territory, and the 
District of Columbia.
  The National Park Foundation and the National Park Service annually 
present the National Christmas Tree lighting on the Ellipse at the 
White House and President's Park.
  This celebration began in 1923 and brings together families, friends, 
and communities to celebrate the holidays in one of America's national 
parks.
  With collaboration from the National Park Service, Department of 
Education, and National Park Foundation, local schools from each State 
decorate their trees with ornaments honoring their unique traditions 
and heritage.
  When tasked with creating ornaments for the trees, students were 
asked: ``What makes your State beautiful?'' Pennsylvania is rich in 
history and natural beauty, and Potter County has a distinctive 
lifestyle.
  Austin Area School District's art teacher, Mrs. Bethany Brown, and 
English teacher, Mrs. Megan Walck, had students create a list of what 
makes our region feel like home. Students considered Pennsylvania's 
outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, kayaking, camping, and 
stargazing, as well as historic events significant to Potter County.
  This attraction is open December 7 through January 1, and visitors 
viewing the Pennsylvania tree will see that our students showcase many 
unique attributes of Potter County.
  The ornaments highlight a variety of experiences unique to 
Pennsylvania, such as our number one industry, agriculture, and Potter 
County's rich history of potato farming. Local farms in Potter County 
supply potatoes nationwide. Maple syrup production thrives in our 
region thanks to the abundance of forests and maple trees. Each year, 
at the annual Maple Festival, the county celebrates the maple season 
with pancake breakfasts and open houses at maple producers' facilities. 
There are many more ornaments that showcase Pennsylvania's natural 
beauty.
  The Pennsylvania Wilds region is a remarkable resource for those 
eager to explore Pennsylvania's natural wonders. Unique attractions 
like the Coudersport Ice Mine, which produces ice even during the 
summer heat, add to the area's charm and are reflected in the students' 
ornament designs.
  Potter County serves as the source of major river systems, including 
the Allegheny River, which is also represented on the Pennsylvania 
State tree.
  Visitors will see that students also incorporated our State tree, 
flower, and various native animals into their design. The ornaments 
made by the Austin Area School District students promote some of Potter 
County's and Pennsylvania's proudest attractions.
  When reflecting on this experience, Austin Area School District 
student Breanna G. said: ``Having the opportunity to create a design 
that not only symbolizes me but my school and the area around me is so 
special. I feel so proud to have been given this chance, and I hope 
that someone will see this ornament and agree with the beauty of 
Pennsylvania's land. I am also thankful to my teacher, Mrs. Brown, for 
introducing us to this idea and letting us be as creative as we want. 
This is a project that I will remember for a very long time.''

  Participation in the arts is wonderful for a young person's 
development. It can inspire confidence that often extends far beyond 
the classroom. Teachers like Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Walck nurture 
creativity and play a valuable role in shaping curious minds.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the Austin Area School District students, staff, 
and faculty for bringing Pennsylvania's Christmas spirit to our 
Nation's Capital and highlighting what makes Potter County such a 
special place to live and visit.
  Mr. Speaker, as Breanna G. so nicely quoted, it is an experience we 
will all remember for a very long time. I am incredibly proud of our 
students and their contributions to this cherished national tradition.

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