Crockett MS student designs ornament for Texas Capitol Christmas tree
The Christmas tree along with Leon Apollo Valenzuela's ornament will be on display in the Texas Capitol through January 2, 2025.
Each year Texas State representatives are each invited to select one artist from their community to create an ornament showcasing the beauty of their Texas House District. That means only 150 artists are chosen each year for this holiday honor.
Representative Brooks Landgraf selected Leon Apollo Valenzuela, an 11-year old 6th grader at Crockett Middle School in Odessa, to design this year's ornament for his West Texas district. Representative Landgraf and his wife, Shelby, hung the ornament on the 23-foot-tall Christmas tree that stands in the Texas House of Representatives chamber.
Leon’s hand painted ornament beautifully weaves together ECISD school pride and Texas holiday spirit. Santa and his reindeer are depicted flying over the Texas flag, as the Lone Star State is their grand first stop. An ode to Crockett Middle School completes the ornament design. The Crockett Colt mascot reflects Leon’s pride in his Odessa school and commitment to its creed: Come to school every day, Obey the rules, Laugh often, Take care of each other, Success will follow!
Thousands of visitors are expected to see the Texas Capitol Christmas tree and admire the Odessa ornament this month. The Christmas tree along with Leon's ornament will be on display in the Texas Capitol through January 2, 2025.
"As a proud Ector County ISD graduate, it is an honor to showcase West Texas through the talents of a young ECISD student at the State Capitol this Christmas season," State Representative Landgraf said. "Leon Apollo Valenzuela's thoughtfulness, creativity and pride are a shining example of the strong spirit of West Texas and the potential of the Lone Star State’s next generation."