Two North Coast students chosen to help kick off state celebration of U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Two North Coast students made a special trip to the State Capitol this week to join Senator Mike McGuire and state officials for the official state of California Celebration for the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.

The gorgeous 84-foot white fir comes from Six Rivers National Forest on the beautiful North Coast.

Del Norte senior Abraham Olemedo-Ramos and 8th grader Jackie Gonzalez from Toddy Thomas Middle School in Fortuna presented state and federal officials with hand-made North Coast ornaments that will adorn the tree at our Nation’s Capitol. Students from across California made a record 15,000 ornaments this year.

Jackie and Abraham were selected by school leaders for their commitment to their school community, hard work and wonderful dedication to this festive project.

Jackie’s teachers describe her as someone who “takes on tasks with the best of her ability, and always puts 100% effort into everything she does” and someone who “gives without the thought of receiving.” Abraham is an incredibly talented senior in high school and has always been interested in working with his hands and mind – and working the laser engraver in shop class. He personally volunteered to make over 100 engraved ornaments with the laser engraver and spent 55 hours of his time to get them done.