Representative Dwayne Bohac Presents Ornament Designed by Local High School Student for Texas House Christmas Tree
AUSTIN—Representative Dwayne Bohac (Houston) is pleased to present the House District 138 ornament that was hung on the Christmas tree in the Texas House Chamber this week. Every year around Christmas, state legislators from all 150 House Districts choose an organization, school or individual to design an ornament for the official Texas House Christmas Tree. The ornaments, representing the culture and personality of each district, are hung throughout the season on the tree. Rep. Bohac selects a different high school in the district each year to submit the official HD 138 ornament.
“This year's ornament was designed by Sarah Hillebrand, a senior from Cypress Lakes High School in Cy-Fair ISD,” said Rep. Bohac. “I am very proud of Sarah. Her 'Houston Strong' theme for the ornament is a fitting tribute to our district and our city that were so drastically affected by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath."
"This ornament displays the recent catastrophe of Hurricane Harvey on the city of Houston, and how people of all kinds came together to unite and help," said Ms. Hillebrand. "The city skyline is shown beneath a gradual blue water. I thought that this would be an appropriate theme since it still has a fresh emotional impact from this area."
"This year, Sarah holds the office of President in our school's chapter of National Art Honor Society," said Fine Arts Department Chair Jessica Green when asked why Ms. Hillebrand was selected to submit the ornament for Cypress Lakes High School. "Sarah was elected to hold this office by her peers and has proven herself to be a hardworking, passionate student in the Art Studio, as well as in NAHS. [We] felt that Sarah is the best representative of our school, the art department, and community."
The district ornament project was initiated in 2009 to give all the unique Texas communities a place on the Christmas tree in the Chamber of the Texas House of Representatives. This year, the tree is a 23-foot-tall Virginia Pine grown in Texas. It arrived in the House chamber on November 28th and will be on display throughout the holidays.
The House Chamber is open to the public. Rep. Bohac encourages all constituents to visit their state Capitol during the holiday season.