Withers Student Designs District 114 Ornament

State Rep. Jason Villalba’s office has announced that Fernanda Ibarra, a fourth-grade student at Withers Elementary, has been selected as designer of the District 114 ornament for the Lone Star Celebration Christmas Tree in Austin.

Villalba; his wife, Brooke; and their two daughters recently presented the official District 114 ornament to be displayed on the tree at the Capitol. The ornament was designed and decorated by Fernanda, after she won a contest at her school.

“With the holiday season in full swing, Brooke and I are reminded what this time is truly about — bringing joyful laughs and cheerful smiles to the faces of our children and loved ones,” Villalba said. “This ornament represents the vitality, creativeness, and depth of spirit in District 114. I could not be more proud to represent our amazing community and its residents in the Texas House of Representatives.”

Fernanda’s theme reflected the importance of the State Fair of Texas. Fernanda was saddened at the end of the 2012 fair when the iconic Big Tex caught on fire and was destroyed. She was elated when Big Tex re-emerged at this year’s fair, bigger and better than ever.

After winning the contest, Fernanda worked after school hours to craft the ornament with her teacher, Jan Alexander. The front of the ornament represents the State Fair in the daytime, with Big Tex in the center and the Top O’ Texas Tower in the background. The back depicts the fair at night and features the star attraction of the Midway, the Texas SkyWay Ferris wheel.

The District Ornament Project was initiated in 2009 to give all Texas communities a place on the Lone Star Celebration Christmas Tree. The ornaments will be on display through Jan. 2, and each one’s story is displayed in an album in the House Chamber.