Waxahachie High School Art Department designs ornament for Capitol Christmas Tree

Submitted photo.

Christmas ornament the WHS Art Department presented to Rep. John Wray for the grand Christmas tree in the House Chamber at the Texas State Capitol.

WAXAHACHIE — Every year each member of the Texas House of Representatives is given an ornament to have decorated and hung on the grand Christmas tree displayed in the House Chamber. This year, Waxahachie High School art teacher Sean Cagle and WHS art student Heather Stuckey designed and constructed the ornament that will represent House District 10 at the State Capitol.

Cagle and Stuckey’s design plan was to feature a prominent image from the district, making the historic Ellis County Courthouse an obvious choice. To showcase depth and perspective, the ornament was constructed with parts inside, as well as on the surface and in relief. The courthouse is displayed with a Christmas tree and snow to pay homage to the Christmas holiday and the winter season.

Submitted photo.

Rep. John Wray receiving the finished Christmas ornament from the WHS Art Department. Pictured from left to right: Art Teacher Sean Cagle, Student Heather Stuckey, Rep. John Wray, and Michele Wray.

Every year the Texas House of Representatives receives a Christmas tree from the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association. The tree usually stands around 20 feet tall and is decorated with the ornaments from each of the 150 house districts. This will be the 7th year for the district ornament project and the first year Representative Wray and Mrs. Wray will trim the tree for House District 10.

"We are so appreciative that Representative and Mrs. Wray gave us this opportunity," Sean Cagle stated. "It was a great experience for Heather and me to work on a project that will be shown in the Texas Capitol for so many people to see."

"This is an excellent opportunity to show off the great artistic talent of the district," Representative Wray said. "It is always exciting for me to have small mementos from home that start conversations about all the wonderful things Ellis and Henderson County have to offer."

After receiving all 150 ornaments, photos will be posted in an online album available to the public via the House website. For information about the many Christmas activities in Austin, contact Representative Wray’s office at 512-463-0516 or at district10.wray@house.state.tx.us.