A Midland ISD junior high school student's Christmas ornament will be displayed on the Texas Capitol Christmas tree this holiday season, as part of a program known as The Texas Capitol Ornament Program.
Jayla Arce, an art student from San Jacinto Junior High School in Midland, was selected for the honor of having her ornament featured on the Capitol’s Christmas tree. The Midland Independent School District (ISD) celebrated the achievement in a Facebook post, thanking State Rep. Tom Craddick for facilitating the opportunity and San Jacinto art teacher Mrs. Hicks for her guidance.
“Congrats to San Jacinto art student Jayla Arce, who will have her artwork displayed on the Christmas tree at the State Capitol in Austin,” the district wrote.
According to its website, The Texas Capitol Ornament Program was established in 1996 by Nelda Laney, wife of then-House Speaker Pete Laney, with the goal of raising funds for restoration and educational projects at the Capitol. Over the years, funds raised from ornament sales have supported the restoration of historic paintings and the installation of historically accurate floor coverings in both the House and Senate chambers.
The tradition has continued with contributions from other prominent Texans, including Nadine Craddick, wife of Rep. Tom Craddick, and Julie Straus, wife of former Speaker Joe Straus. The ornaments typically highlight architectural features of the Texas State Capitol, such as the rotunda ceiling, the front gate, and the Goddess of Liberty statue.
Arce’s ornament will join the ranks of many others that have been chosen for the display and will continue the tradition of showcasing artistic talent while supporting Capitol preservation efforts.