Saint Mary School Receives Honor of 2nd Place at Knights of Columbus Museum's Tree Festival

Saint Mary School received the honor of 2nd place and gift card for decorating tree #22 in the "German tradition". SMS 4th graders hand made all the ornaments, tree skirt, garland trim, tinsel and angel for the tree, and then decorated it with the theme of Christmas in Germany, at the Knights of Columbus Museum’s 16th annual Christmas Tree Festival, under the direction of teachers Mrs. Alvarez de Lugo (art teacher) and Mrs. Pecoraro (4th grade teacher). The award was presented to Principal Sr. Annette D’Antonio, M.P.F., Mrs. Alvarez de Lugo, and Mrs. Pecoraro.

The Festival continues through January 29, 2017. Be sure to cast a vote for the “People’s Choice” during your visit. Also on display at the Knights of Columbus Museum is their fabulous collection of German Creches.

Photographs: (1st Group Photo): Pictured (top left to right) Fr. Keefe, Art Teacher & Pre-K 3 Aide Mrs. Corina Alvarez de Lugo, 4th Grade Teacher Mrs. Donna Pecoraro, and Sister Annette D’Antonio, M.P.F. with some of SMS’ fourth graders trimming the tree filled with garland, foil icicle tinsel, candles, German Christmas cookies (non-edible), ornaments of Spun Cotton Mushrooms (originated in the 1900’s—Germany), German Stars, German Bells, German balls (inspired by German blown glass balls), German Pyramyd Nativities (symbolizing the Holy Trinity), hand made tree skirt, angel top, and German Pickle Ornament (hidden by Fr. Keefe – German tradition says the 1st child to find the hidden pickle ornament gets a special blessing). All tree decorations were designed to mimic authentic German ornaments, as directed by Mrs. Corina Alvarez de Lugo, Art Teacher and 4th Grade Teacher Mrs. Donna Pecoraro.

(2nd Photo) Pictured (left to right) Mrs. Pecoraro (4th grade teacher), Mrs. Alvarez de Lugo (art teacher), and Sister Annette D’Antonio, M.P.F. with award and gift card.

Other photos are of some of SMS' fourth grade students decorating the tree.