Thibodaux students add personal flair to Christmas

With paint pens, markers and glitter in hand, 14 Thibodaux students decked the mayor’s Hollis tree at the city’s annual “Trim the City Hall Christmas Tree” celebration Thursday.

Each school selected two representatives to paint a Christmas ornament, which will be ceremonially placed on the tree throughout the holidays.

“This shows just how special these children are. Their administrators chose them to be a part of a community project and to represent their school proudly,” said Thibodaux Mayor Charles Caillouet.

The tree-trimming celebration got its start nine years ago. A popular offering, the event “involves students expressing their school pride while enhancing the awareness of the arts,” he explained.

“I get a chance to showcase my school pride,” said 16-year-old David Diket, displaying his red and white E.D White Catholic School colors.

Nine-year-old Luke Storey and 6-year-old Yursa Khan participated in an ornament drawing contest at South Thibodaux Elementary School. Going into the tree-trimming party, they had a game plan.

“I am excited about letting everyone see my ornament for the holidays,” said Khan, who painted Rudolph traveling across Louisiana.

St. Joseph Catholic School instructor Pam Boudreaux, who teaches art to fourth through seventh graders, chose Taylor Adams and Dallas Rome, both 12, to participate at the annual celebration. “Every year, I try to choose two students who volunteer the most, but get none of the recognition,” she said.

Taylor and Dallas painted traditional Merry Christmas ornaments.

Also participating in the tree-trimming event were: Nicole Davis of E.D. White Catholic High School; Kennedy Gaines and Olivia Robichaux of St. Genevieve Catholic Elementary School; Chandler Mire and Lance Chamberlin of Thibodaux Elementary School; Sarah Moffet and Katie Benoit of Thibodaux High School; and Sarah Soonya and Christina Bates of West Thiboduax Middle School.

City Hall spokesman Dana Clement said the event is also good opportunity for area students to meet the mayor, city department heads and members of the city council.

“We look forward to this event every years,” she said.

David Diket, a 16-year-old sophomore at E.D. White Catholic High School, shows off his painted Christmas ornament for the tree in Thibodaux’s City Hall. * Photo by SOPHIA RUFFIN