PRESS RELEASE: Gov. Fallin, Superintendent Hofmeister to Host Students for Christmas Tree Lighting at the Capitol

Oklahoma Governor's Office sent this bulletin at 11/29/2018 03:04 PM CST
Office of Governor Mary Fallin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2018

Governor Mary Fallin, Superintendent Joy Hofmeister to Host Students for Christmas Tree Lighting at the Capitol

Oklahoma City Thunder mascot to rumble with students

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin and Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister will be joined next week by schoolchildren from across the state for the lighting of the state Capitol Christmas tree.

The lighting ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec, 4, on the south plaza of the Capitol. The governor will give brief remarks before the 30-foot artificial Christmas tree is lit. The tree, a replica of a Douglas fir, has more than 2,500 energy-saving LED lights.

This year’s emcee is Bobbie Miller. The event is sponsored by Panera Bread, Ozarka Water Co., Manhattan Construction, Weyerhaeuser Co. Foundation, Summit Bus, and I.C. Bus.

Between 4-5 p.m., students and visitors will have the chance to mingle with Rumble the Bison, the official mascot of the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball team.

Before the lighting ceremony, approximately 600 students are expected to decorate 25 small Christmas trees placed inside the Capitol. The students, ranging in grade level from first to fifth grade, will come from across the state.

“The annual lighting of the Capitol’s Christmas tree is a fun way to celebrate the holiday season,” said Fallin. “I appreciate the students who come from across the state to decorate the numerous Christmas trees on display inside the Capitol. I encourage Oklahomans and visitors to the state to stop by the Capitol to see the displays and enjoy the great work done by our school children.”

Beginning at 2:30 p.m., Fallin and Hofmeister will walk through the Capitol to look at the trees and talk with the children.

“The Christmas tree lighting at the state Capitol is one of my favorite events,” said Hofmeister. “I’m so excited for the classes chosen to decorate a tree this year and look forward to seeing their creativity displayed on every branch. It is an honor and a pleasure to usher in the holiday season surrounded by Oklahoma students and teachers.”

Other activities include music, dance, refreshments, writing letters to the troops, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Storytellers, Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Oklahoma History Center also will be taking part in the festivities.

Assisting in the lighting of the tree will be Christen and Phillip Rowland, an Oklahoma City area couple, along with their two adoptive children, Jackson, 11, and Selena, 9, and their two biological children, Savannah, 3, and Lexi, 1.

Performing artist groups include:

  • Enid Jazz Choir
  • Capitol Hill High School Academy of Fine Arts and Dance Diversity Company
  • Silver Strings of Putnam City
  • Millwood Arts Academy Choir presented by Bring Back the Music
  • Norman High School Jazz Ensemble
  • Taft/Northwest Classen Orchestra Quintet
  • Manyawi World Music from Monroe Elementary
  • Enid Multicultural Choir
  • JGI Rock Star Gamers
  • Edmond Youth Chorus

 

 The 25 Christmas trees will be displayed by the following schools:

  • Alex Elementary, Alex Public Schools
  • Arnett Elementary, Arnett Public Schools
  • Richard Kane Elementary, Bartlesville Public Schools
  • Battiest Elementary, Battiest Public Schools
  • Carnegie Elementary, Carnegie Public Schools
  • Dover Elementary, Dover Public Schools
  • Central Elementary, Guthrie Public Schools
  • Glenwood Elementary, Enid Public Schools
  • Gore Elementary, Gore Public Schools
  • Washington Irving Elementary, Edmond Public Schools
  • Gypsy Elementary, Gypsy Public Schools
  • Crosby Park Elementary, Lawton Public Schools
  • McAlester Elementary, McAlester Public Schools
  • Country Estates Elementary, Mid-Del Public Schools
  • Mustang Valley Elementary, Mustang Public Schools
  • Bodine Elementary, Oklahoma City Public Schools
  • Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy
  • Pauls Valley Elementary, Pauls Valley Public Schools
  • Preston Elementary, Preston Public Schools
  • Garfield STEAM Academy, Sand Springs Public Schools
  • Ward Elementary, Shidler Public Schools
  • Silo Elementary, Silo Public Schools
  • Tupelo Elementary, Tupelo Public Schools
  • Wilburton Elementary, Wilburton Public Schools
  • Highland Park Elementary, Woodward Public Schools

 

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