Gianforte enlists Deer Lodge students for Capitol Christmas tree ornaments

"Recently I received a letter from a fifth-grade student named Patrick," said Gov. Gianforte. "Patrick asked if the fifth-grade students at Deer Lodge Schools could help decorate ornaments for a Christmas tree in the capitol. This week, I was proud to deliver the good news and enlist their support in designing ornaments that celebrate our Montana way of life."

During a school assembly at Powell County High School, Gov. Gianforte told the fourth through twelfth grade students about the letter he received from Patrick H., a student at E.F. Duvall. In his letter, Patrick says that he was inspired to ask the governor to decorate ornaments because every year he and his family drive to Helena to see the Christmas tree in the Capitol Rotunda.

Making the announcement, the governor invited the class of fifth-grade students to create ornaments that fit the theme, "Our Montana Heritage," encouraging students to think about a favorite Montana tradition, place, activity, family memory, or something they love about their community.

After the assembly, the governor met with the fifth-grade students who are going to design the ornaments, including Patrick.

"I was excited to meet the governor because it meant I did something that affected all my classmates in a good way," Patrick said. "I get to show what Montana means to me. Montana means my home. I might do a bison or a snow-capped mountain or Big Hole National Battlefield. I would tell people to come see the tree because I think it would be great to see what Montana means to kids."

After the announcement, the governor took time to answer student questions. Questions ranged from "What is it like to be governor?" to "If you were a superhero, what would your name be?"

The ornaments designed by students will be displayed on a tree in the Governor's Reception Room, where the governor in December plans to invite students to the capitol to see their ornaments on display.