11/4/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin is encouraging all students - kindergarten through 12th grade - to create a "toys" themed ornament to be displayed on the State Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be located in the Capitol Rotunda.
Although this is the first ornament competition that First Lady Tomblin has hosted, she is excited to continue the holiday tradition started by Gayle Manchin in 2005.
"I look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition and hope to increase participation to make this year's contest the biggest one yet," First Lady Tomblin said. "The Governor and I invite all kindergarten through 12th grade art classes to join in the holiday festivities and submit ornaments to help us decorate our Capitol Christmas tree."
In order to give sufficient time for the winning class to be notified, each decorated ornament must be received no later than Friday, November 18, 2011. For submission information, contact Beth Hughes at 304-558-2440 or by email at
beth.f.hughes@wv.gov.
First Lady Tomblin added, "This competition has become a winter tradition and a huge part of Joyful Night, the state's annual holiday celebration. It gives us the chance to showcase the talent of students from all across the Mountain State."
During the past six years, students have been asked to create decorations representing everything from bells and stars to snowflakes and stockings, and most recently, energy and natural resources.
This year, the scope has been broadened and the competition has expanded; every art class in the state is invited to submit an ornament that reflects or represents "toys" in some way. The ornaments will be classified in four divisions according to grade: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each ornament will be individually judged, and four winners will be selected, one from each division.
The ornaments and the Christmas tree will be unveiled in conjunction with Joyful Night, the annual holiday celebration at the State Capitol, held in early December. The winning classes will receive a $125 gift certificate for art supplies and will be recognized by the Governor and First Lady during Joyful Night festivities.
The winning ornaments will be displayed in the Grand Foyer of the Governor's Mansion throughout the holiday season, and in January 2012, they will be donated to the West Virginia State Museum for their permanent collection.
Contact Information
Tina Amburgey
304-558-3588