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t. Luke’s Episcopal School has achieved a remarkable victory this past holiday season, winning first place at the annual Mobile Regional Airport's Christmas tree competition. This achievement is a testament to the artistic talent of SLES students and the dedication of Mrs. Cummings’ art classes, whose creativity and hard work made this win possible.

The competition at the airport invites schools and organizations to design and decorate a Christmas tree based on a unique theme. The trees are then judged according to a rubric that rewards creativity, participation, and craftsmanship. Additionally, there is an online voting component where the public can support their favorite designs. With around ten organizations/schools competing, securing first place is no easy feat, making SLES’s victory all the more impressive.

This year, SLES’s art students designed a tree celebrating cultures from around the world. Each Art I, 7th, and 8th-grade student selected a country and crafted four ornaments representing it. Pottery students contributed by sculpting famous landmarks from their chosen nations, including the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, Easter Island statues, and Brazil’s Escadaria Selarón. Additionally, Art I students created miniature passports, while the 7th and 8th graders crafted paper figures representing people from different cultures.

Advanced Art students played a crucial role in bringing the theme to life. They designed a garland featuring letters to Santa from around the world, enlarged international stamps, and a tree skirt styled like a compass rose. The tree topper was a striking feature: a globe-shaped collage with a moving airplane towing a banner that read, “What a Wonderful World.”

Mrs. Cummings, the dedicated art teacher behind this winning project, expressed her pride in the students' work. “I think the students are great this year; they’re extremely creative,” she said, emphasizing the thought and planning involved in each aspect of the tree’s design. She also highlighted the significance of art education, explaining, “It’s a bridge that brings all the separate components together. It unifies every subject in one place, like math, literature, history, and science.”

Several students shared their thoughts on the art program and their experiences in class. Brayden Darby, a pottery student, described glazing as his favorite part of the process, saying, “It allows me to have a peaceful painting time which decompresses my stress.” Chris Washington appreciated the welcoming environment of the art room, where, as he put it, “I can be myself and socialize.” Jeremy Menhennett emphasized the personal value of art, stating, “Art is a way to express your true self.” The success of SLES in the Christmas tree competition highlights the school’s commitment to the arts and the incredible talent of its students.

The effort required to craft each ornament, landmark, and decoration demonstrates a level of skill and dedication that goes beyond a simple holiday project. The students involved in this endeavor learned valuable lessons in creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.

Art programs are vital to a well-rounded education, offering students an outlet for self-expression and critical thinking. At SLES, the art department provides students with opportunities to take on ambitious projects like the Christmas tree competition, encouraging them to push their creative boundaries.

This year’s victory at Mobile Regional Airport is not just a win for the school but a celebration of the power of art to bring people together and inspire joy. SLES’s first-place finish serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering creativity in education. With talented students and dedicated teachers, the school’s art program will undoubtedly continue to thrive, producing incredible works of art for years to come.