‘Candyland’ tree wins third grade category

ROME TOWNSHIP — Students and faculty at Fairland West are celebrating, following their win in the school competition of the second annual Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Festival of Trees.

Third grade classes from local schools each decorated a tree for the event, which took first place at Ohio University Southern’s Proctorville Center from Nov. 22-26.

The first place entry from Fairland had a “Candyland” theme, assistant principal Sandy Joseph said.

She said the tree came about due to the work of third grade teachers Terri Gaeger and Dava Alt, who spearheaded the project. Students made ceramic ornaments in class, in the form of red mittens and red and white peppermint wheels.

“They weren’t just painted,” Joseph said. “They were fired. They did it as an art project.”

In addition to the student ornaments, some commercial decorations were added as additions, she said.

For their win, the school will receive a $200 check from the Chamber, which will be presented later this month.

Joseph said the funds will go toward curriculum materials and to pay for incentive activities.

Second place in the competition went to Burlington Elementary for their Alice in Wonderland-themed tree. They placed first in last year’s competition with their tree based on the Harry Potter novels.

Dawson-Bryant Elementary won third place for their “Sweet Season of Christmas” tree.

Third graders at Burlington and Dawson-Bryant will get a pizza party for their efforts.