St. Michael's Wins Elms Tree Decorating Contest

won first prize in the annual "Trimmed for Santa" tree decorating contest. As a part of , the grants cash prizes to the best decorated tabletop tree on display at

St. Michael's won $2,500 for their decorated tree, themed "We are Santa's 'Sh-Elves'." The other schools who participated will receive a $500 prize for participating. Fourth-graders from, , , , and the also decorated and submitted a tree. The prize money will go toward the schools' visual arts programs.

Visitors at The Elms cast their votes at the end of their tour. Over 4,000 votes were cast.

"I'm not sure who looks forward to this event more every year—the students or our staff and visitors," said Preservation Society CEO and Executive Director Trudy Coxe. "It's fun and educational for the children, combining some history with their art lessons, as they get a chance to visit The Elms with their parents.  The trees they create are a whimsical addition to our Christmas at the Newport Mansions celebration, helping to entertain thousands of visitors to The Elms.  And thanks to our generous donor, Newport's schools get some much-needed financial help for their arts programs."

The prize money is underwritten by an anonymous donor.