The creative works of 19 students in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District will be on display for the entire country to see.
These 5th Grade students at Eisenhower Intermediate School each created holiday ornaments while they were students at the John F. Kennedy Primary School last year.
Now, those 19 decorated ornaments will shine brightly on the New Jersey State Christmas Tree, which will stand beside the National Christmas Tree at the White House in Washington, D.C. The trees are located in President’s Park on the South Lawn of the White House.
The annual tree lighting for this holiday tradition was scheduled to be held on Thursday, December 4.
According to the sponsors of the National Christmas Tree program, the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service, 59 trees are standing in President’s Park—one to represent each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia, as well as the Bureau of Indian Education, Department of Defense Education Activities, and America 250–and are adorned with ornaments designed by students from Grades K through 12.
According to the press release from the National Park Foundation, "the ornaments designed by the students celebrate the unique culture, landmarks, and history of their state, bringing a piece of home to the nation’s capital.”
So, how did the John F. Kennedy Primary School (JFK) receive such national recognition?
Jordan Fraser, who is the Associate Director of the White House Visitor’s Office, reported that the JFK Primary School was nominated to represent New Jersey by Senator Douglas Steinhardt (NJ-23).
The White House Visitor’s Office coordinates the National Christmas Tree program and annually contacts local government offices to receive nominations of schools to participate in the national event.
Since the Borough of Raritan, the home to the JFK Primary School, is included in New Jersey’s 23rd Legislative District, Sen. Steinhardt followed through with his nomination.
“I was proud to recommend John F. Kennedy Primary School to represent New Jersey in this year’s National Christmas Tree program. These students and teachers embody the best of our state. It’s a joy to see their work displayed on the White House lawn for the whole nation to appreciate,” Sen. Steinhardt stated.
Mr. Fraser confirmed that the only ornaments on the New Jersey State Tree are the decorations created by the JFK students.
Claudia Johnson, the dedicated Art Teacher at JFK, revealed that once she was notified of this golden opportunity, she and her students quickly went to work.
“We did not submit anything or apply in any way. We were just asked to do it and gladly said yes. It was a quick turnaround, about three weeks, but we managed to make it happen,” Ms. Johnson revealed.
She explained how precious an experience her students received–and will fondly remember.
“They designed ornaments for this year’s New Jersey tree, symbolizing the history, heritage, and culture of our great state,’ Ms. Johnson stated. “The students learned a lot about New Jersey during the research phase of this project and approached their designs with creativity and enthusiasm. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be remembered fondly by all who participated.”
Matt McCarthy, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Supervisor for Arts Education, was proud of these young artists.
“I am thrilled that the young artists of JFK were invited to contribute to representing the great state of New Jersey. Their artworks truly made their New Jersey and Bridgewater-Raritan pride visible,” Mr. McCarthy said.
According to the National Park Foundation, the White House Christmas Tree display is open to the public from December 6 through January 1, 2026. The viewing is free.
Click on the link below to view all of the ornaments, including the decorations produced by the JFK Primary School/Eisenhower Intermediate School students.
http://thenationaltree.org/ornaments
Here are those creative students who have received national recognition.
Abby Gordillo
Addie Kennedy
Alexa Thomas
Alia Patel
Arieth Onofre Maceda
Chase LaMaestra
Dylan Escalante
Emelyn Salazar Sanchez
Genesis Alpizar-Meza
Jackson Bachman
Jeremy Brewster
Kailey Balaban
Mia Boscaino
Mia Perez
Nolan Piedade
Riley Simicsak
Sanvi Bichkule
Westley Niper
Wendy Rakotosalama