Dec. 19—Leon Apollo Valenzuela, a sixth-grader at Crockett Middle School, was selected by State Rep. Brooks Landgraf to design this year’s ornament for the Texas House of Representatives Christmas tree.
Valenzuela’s hand-painted ornament showcases ECISD pride and Texas holiday spirit, featuring Santa and his reindeer 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!
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.
Landgraf and his wife, Shelby, proudly hung the ornament on the 23-foot Capitol tree, which will be on display through Jan. 2, 2025. Thousands of visitors are expected to see the Texas Capitol Christmas tree and admire the Odessa ornament this month.
“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,” 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.”